Wigtown Show is a great day out for the whole family. Situated at picturesque Bladnoch Park on the outskirts of Wigtown, there is ample parking onsite but this year there is also a FREE Wigtown Show bus. It’s a McCulloch’s Coach which leaves Stranraer, Port Rodie at 8am and picks up enroute at both Glenluce (approx. 8.10am) & Kirkcowan (approx. 8.20am) before running back and forth all day from Wigtown town centre to the showfield. The bus will leave the showfield for the last time at 5pm to return to Stranraer and drop off at the same places it picked up. The Wigtown Show bus has been kindly sponsored by Wigtown Community Shop.
There is so much to see at Wigtown Show that it’s best to plan your day using the “What’s On at Wigtown Show Planner”. It’s available on the show’s website www.wigtownshow.org.uk and in the show day catalogue on the day.
Come early to watch the hundreds of animals be judged by our young panel of judges. This year, in honour of Wigtownshire Young Farmers Club’s 80th anniversary almost all the livestock judges are in the Young Farmers age group. Despite their young age they have a wealth of skill and stockmanship; it will be interesting to see if they follow traditional methods of judging or favour a more modern style.
Our afternoon entertainment programme begins with the Champion of Champions where the winners of 22 sections of the show compete against each other – from the Clydesdale horse to champion poultry exhibit! The judge, Mr Andrew McConchie, has been an inspiration to many within the farming community and was a keen Young Farmers member in his day, so all eyes will be on him as he decides which animal is his Champion of Champions.
Following the grand parade of livestock and presentation of trophies; the heavy hooves of Clydesdale horses will grace the main ring with their stunning stud carts and well-dressed handlers. They really are a sight to behold and take us back to days gone by. The glamour and peace will be shattered however when the increasingly popular Tug o’War competition takes place – it gathered a huge crowd last year and the noise was deafening as the many local teams were cheered on. Order will hopefully be resumed when the Working Sheepdog demonstration starts. Wonder at the skill of both the handler and dog as it guides sheep round a course – a small taster of what will be on show at the Scottish National Sheepdog Trials being hosted locally later in August. The jingle of the harnesses sounds the arrival of the fabulous Heavy Horse Pairs competitors; many have travelled great distances to attend Wigtown Show so they will appreciate a welcoming applause.
In between all of that there are more than 120 trade exhibitors to visit; both outdoors and inside the craft and food marquees – you could even start your Christmas shopping! A “must see” is The Sheep Show (sponsored by Montpelier Ltd), a fantastic show from their own stage where you not only learn about various sheep breeds but are highly entertained at the same time – and don’t miss the dancing sheep – kids and adults alike love it! When you get a spare few minutes, sit back and relax for a while at the performance area of the Craft Marquee and watch some of the many demonstrations timetabled during the day – from Magic Shows, Lampshade making, Highland Dancing and children’s crafts. Look out for the Owl & Bird of Prey display and Chainsaw demonstration around the showfield – there’s something for everyone at Wigtown Show! Oh… and when you’re feeling peckish, visit the Food Court where a range of food and refreshments are available including freshly cooked pizza and locally produced artisan hotdogs.
Come and enjoy a great day out at Wigtown Show on Wednesday 3rd August – a warm welcome awaits!
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