A NEW area for this year which we are very excited about, is the space for families, writes Okehampton Show secretary Alison Heywood.

Here everyone can meet the giant tortoises. This is also where we are putting the ‘have a go’ activities with OCRA, climbing wall and Farm West Educational trailer amongst others.

We have a showground full of exhibitors and trade stands for you to visit and enjoy.

The show really is a fun day out for all the family, combining the traditions of agriculture with entertainment for all.

The traditional showing classes for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses predominantly take place during the morning and are celebrated with the ‘Grand Parade of Champion Livestock and Horses’ in the main ring during the afternoon. A spectacle that should really not be missed.

There are plenty of prizes to be won at Okehampton Show
(Okehampton Show)

Around the showground there is entertainment all day long, with the entertainment ring showcasing falconry, gun dog display, ‘Dangerous Steve’, and the not to be forgotten ‘Fun Family Dog Show’ which you can enter on the day from 12.15pm at the entertainment ring. Ferret racing is just next door.

As you walk around the showground you will come across everything rural demonstrations and morris dancing teams.

The music stage has a full programme of varied entertainment throughout the day, with space to bring your own picnic or buy from our many local food vendors, we think we have something for everyone.

The vintage section will be parading in the main ring as well as their static display of over 150 vintage tractors and vehicles.

The equine-lover will thoroughly enjoy this year's show with plenty of displays and a Grand Parade of Champion Livestock and Horses in the main ring during the afternoon
Horses, cattle and sheep could all be in with a chance of winning a coveted rosette (Okehampton Show)

New for this year featured in the main ring we have a headline entertainment from Jamie Squibb stunt motor bikes followed by the traditional packs of hounds.

What else can you see and do? Well you can visit the open section in the Big Shed, and the WI, young farmers and bee keepers in their marquees. The craft marquee and Devon Food Hall are once again showcasing the best of local produce.

We are delighted that the poultry are return this year with a display following a long absence. Now that restrictions have been lifted.

The equine-lover will thoroughly enjoy this year's show with plenty of displays and a Grand Parade of Champion Livestock and Horses in the main ring during the afternoon
(Okehampton Show)

To make the best of your visit ensure you buy a catalogue or showground guide on the day, this will give you a full run down of events and times on the day as well as a map of the showground so you don’t miss a thing.

Getting to the showground is easy, just to the north of Okehampton town, pop the postcode EX20 1SW into your sat nav. It will be fully sign posted, with stewards to direct you into the large public car parks. There is designated disabled forward parking in the public carpark as well, just display your blue badge.

Advance discounted tickets have gone on sale via the website. Or you can simply buy a ticket on the gate, cash or card.

I am delighted that Phil Heard is the president this year and I am sure he will enjoy his day.

Okehampton Show is a wonderful local event which simply couldn’t happen without the support of our fabulous committee and the very large number of volunteers who give their time not only on the day, but during the set up and breakdown of the event. My personal thanks to them all.

Do come and visit the show, have a wonderful day out, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

For more information visit www.okehamptonshow.co.uk