Royal Three Counties Show - Second Preview

Cattle lineup in the judging ring

Looking back at my first preview – and an introduction no doubt for many readers to the fact that someone called ‘Ann’ was also blogging about the first ever ‘Royal’ at Malvern, as well as young farmer Jack – I did not have space for that much and concentrated on food. Food is essential to us all and a great aspect, but there’s far more to this Show than that. For a start, what a grand day out you can have as a family for very little cost. Come for as little as £8.00 per ticket (based on advanced family ticket price) – tremendous value for families: food, shopping and entertainment – and of course farming. If you haven’t already done so, do purchase tickets now to take advantage of this special offer.

Adam Henson with
a young admirer

Just look at some of what is on happening: Exciting Entertainment, Farming Village, Countryside & Forestry, Horse Village, Discovery Zone, Village Green, Food & Drink, Rural Business and the International Orchid Show. You can even say “hello” to one of the nation’s favourite farmers, rural TV presenter, Adam Henson (Saturday 15th only).

Skill and daring to delight the crowds

I still don’t have space to cover the Show in its entirety but will outline what I can. Take the Main Arena, situated at the heart of the Royal.  It’s a hub of entertainment and action with a jam-packed timetable of displays, competitions and exciting shows. Many of the activities are repeated every day, though not necessarily at the same time, so check your Show Guide on arrival so you don’t miss something you really want to watch. Don't miss the Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle display team; the Devil's Horseman with an exhilarating Jousting and Cossack show; the Red Devils Parachute Team; the brilliant Paws for Thought Dog Display Team; Horse & Hounds; Show Jumping and Heavy Horses and the prestigious and ever-impressive Grand Livestock Parade! WOW, if you did nothing else, you could be entertained from show opening to closing.

Where else could you get so close to magnificent farm animals?

The Farming Village is perfect for becoming acquainted at close quarters with livestock of all types and breeds. There are livestock competitions each day and you can watch the live judging and competitions as exhibitors show off their fine animals – you will become absorbed in this fascinating experience, and be amazed at the very young age of some of the handlers. Walk the livestock lines and meet your favourite farm creatures from cows and pigs to sheep and goats. Equally entertaining, and equally serious, is the Sheep Shearing: you can watch the amazing talent of shearers from all over the country, and even the world, as they demonstrate with each other in competition their amazing speed and skill. The show counts as a qualifying event for the English team so the pressure will be on!

Showing how it's done in the Blacksmithing & Farriery area

Visitors who would like to learn more about the countryside will be able to enjoy a day equally packed with activity. Just head for the popular Country Pursuits Village for a full timetable of country displays including gundogs, ferrets, threshing, Jive Pony, Doug Joiner Horse Logger, Sheepdog Training and much more. There’s Blacksmithing & Farriery (situated by the Lake) where you can watch skilled craftsman take part in live competitions throughout the day. The Poultry Marquee and Championship Poultry Show is home to an impressive display of a wide range of birds including bantams, large fowl and waterfowl, again at close quarters. And if your children are looking for a pet other than a dog or cat, think Rabbits - Britain’s third most popular choice of pet. The Rabbit Section is the ideal place to talk to the experts about keeping them.

Spinning demo

Forgotten Skills? Discover how to use a pole lathe and have a go at butter-making, candle-making and wool craft. Head for the Forgotten Skills Marquee, with its demonstrations of traditional crafts that were once part of everyday life. All the items on display at the Show are unusual and individual, produced by the craftspeople themselves and rarely found on the average high street – a trip down memory lane, perhaps, or the beginning of a new hobby.

A real treat - shopping for hand-spun yarns, clothes and accessories

If this is your first online visit to Ann’s Malvern Jotter, take a look at the previous post to familiarise yourself with what will be happening in the Cookery Theatre, hosted by Katie & Glyn Johnson of Wot's Cooking;  savour in your imagination the numerous food stalls. And if you love shopping, make time to browse for antiques. With an eclectic mix of unique treasures on display, you will surely find a truly special gift or ‘must-have’ piece to add to your collection. The Antiques Fair boasts a variety of antiques and collectibles from around 30 dealers including small furniture, vintage and retro clothing, 19th & 20th century ceramics, jewellery, bronzes, pictures and books.

Food, farming and the countryside - a celebration

A right royal occasion? I know it will be and will be there myself next week on all three days – 14th, 15th and 16th June – blogging live (WiFi permitting). You too can be a part of a great day out in the British countryside, celebrating a truly unique way of life. Enjoy yourself, for apart from the busy, busy Show, there is of course its stunning location. Who could not be captivated by that backdrop of hills?