A royal visit, camels in the main ring and a new ‘festival of food’ were just some of the highlights of this year’s Kent County Show, which took place at the beginning of July.
Over three days, livestock, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands and much more offered visitors to the showground a festival celebrating the best of Kent, along with the opportunity to discover fascinating aspects of rural life within the show’s educational and interactive sections.
Nikki Dorkings, general manager of show organisers the Kent County Agricultural Society, described it as “a hugely successful event” and said there had been “increased footfall and a fantastic atmosphere around the showground across all three days”.
She added: “It was an honour to host a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh on the first day of the show. The three-day showcase featured local farmers and food producers, countryside pursuits, rural life and even camels.”
At the closing ceremony, society chairman Matthew Cullen said the show was “a prime opportunity for local farmers, producers and the rural community to come together and show the general public from Kent and beyond what we do”. He added: “There’s been a real buzz around the showground all weekend and we’re delighted to have received loads of really positive feedback.”
Livestock remained a core part of the show, and a favourite amongst visitors. Hundreds of cows, sheep and goats of all sizes, shapes and colours took to the showground from across the South East and beyond with their handlers, competing to be named ‘Best in Show’.
After an intense, three-day schedule of competitions, the judges of the Interbreed Championships named the winners as:
- Interbreed Sheep Champion: Messrs Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson & Harmer with their Southdown Shearling Ewe
- Interbreed Beef Champion: E Bishop with their Limousin heifer, Bishket Unique
- Interbreed Dairy Champion: M Howie with their Ayrshire first-calving heifer, Ridley Hill Drifter Buddy
- Champion Young Handlers: S Bunkall (sheep), J Ludgate (beef cattle) and J Hayles (dairy cattle).
Opposite the cattle rings, the living land village offered everyone an opportunity to learn more about food, farming and the environment. Visitors discovered how food is produced in the Garden of England and enjoyed daily performances from the famous dancing sheep in The Sheep Show, which was back by popular demand.
The equine village put on a stunning display of horses and riders competing in classes ranging from showjumping to in-hand showing, alongside some incredible carriage driving in the double harness scurry. Other attractions included the gentle giants in the heavy horse village and entertainment from exhibitors including The Bravo Show.
The Kent Young Farmers’ Clubs section saw hundreds of young people aged from 10 to 28 show off the results of their hard work as they went head-to-head in livestock classes to demonstrate their knowledge, handling skills and passion for what they do.
The garden life section, housed in the Maidstone Exhibition Hall, saw spectacular exhibits in bloom, showcasing the talent of local schools, organisations, hobbyists and professionals alike.
The countryside village featured longstanding favourites such as the dog agility demonstrations and hosted an array of displays and businesses offering a taste of rural pursuits, including fly fishing demonstrations and countryside talks.
A snapshot of the society’s Heritage Transport Show in April, the heritage section featured an impressive array of vintage cars and motorbikes, commercial vehicles, heritage tractors, steam engines and more, with the Kent Youth Trials Club team returning once again to put on their usual spectacular display of tricks.
The woodland area showcased the skills and crafts of the woodland and forestry industry and allowed visitors to learn more about the county’s woodlands and the work needed to maintain and conserve them.
Produced In Kent offered visitors the opportunity to sample some of Kent’s finest produce and show their support for local makers and growers, while the new ‘festival of food’ provided a feast for the senses.
The John D Wood & Co. Astor Ring hosted the grand parade of livestock and was also home to spectacular displays across the three days by Joseph’s Amazing Camels.
