The Southern District Agricultural Show, now in its 107th year, will be held on Saturday, July 31, and Sunday August 1 at the new showground at Orrisdale Farm, Ballasalla, with the kind permission of Mr and Mrs P Kermode and Family.

With a variety of entertainment for the whole family the show is likely to attract well over 12,000 visitors, who will be able to enjoy a full weekend of activities and entertainment.

Show secretary Sarah Comish said: ’The Southern Show Committee are pleased to work alongside Haven Homes as our headline sponsor this year, as well as benefiting from the support of many more local businesses.

’The Society is proud to have achieved Unesco Biosphere Status, awarded for the Southern Show’s support for the community and local producers, and for working to create a better understanding of the many benefits of using local products and services.

’Part of the success of the show, is that there’s something for everyone and it’s great value for money. The dedicated volunteer committee are always improving the showground for visitors whilst maintaining its traditional rural theme.’

The main livestock showing day is on Saturday, is when the day’s winners are paraded for the Supreme Championship which is sponsored by Davison’s Ice Cream.

The Purple Helmets will be performing the finale after the parade, and there’s main ring demonstrations and entertainment all weekend, with the theme very much on traditional country pursuits and local entertainment. You can watch the demonstrations and try your hand at the laser clay pigeon shooting stand, or Mad Jack’s Axe Throwing.

Other highlights this year include traditional crafts, miniature animals and farm displays, the NFU Maze, the Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, DEFA’s Producers’ Marquee, children’s activities, and much more.

On Sunday, the main arena entertainment starts with the Horses in Harness and a dramatic scurry competition. There’ll be donkeys and the unmissable meg lamb agility competition, with the Lawnmower Grand Prix to finish off the day.

Alongside the trade stands, local caterers will be providing a variety of delicious food. Musical entertainment includes the Ellan Vannin Pipe Band and live music at the Foraging Vintners Beer Tent.

There will be plenty to do all weekend including various free competitions, and visitors to the show are welcome to take part in the fun pet shows for dogs and small animals.

The show is open both days, from 10am to 6pm, with admission priced at only £7 for adults, and £3 for children under 16 on Saturday, and £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s on Sunday. Free parking is available. Dogs on leads are very welcome both days, but must be kept away from livestock, and are strictly prohibited from the Fur and Feather Tent.

Getting there

A one way traffic system will be in place on Orrisdale Road all weekend from 9am until 6pm. This will run from the main A5 road junction north towards the St Mark’s Road. Access to the Show for visitors will be from the A5 only. The Southern Policing Division will be in attendance, and traffic to the Showfield will be strictly managed.

Sarah Comish said: ’We would be grateful if visitors could follow the directions of the police and the Southern Nomads car parking team to help alleviate any congestion.

’We strongly recommend arriving earlier in the day, as there will be plenty to do, including viewing some of the livestock judging and grabbing the best offers available.

’We are reducing congestion at the show gates so leaving the show field will be a little easier. However, we are still temporary visitors on agricultural land and the gateways were not designed with large volumes of traffic in mind. Please pay attention to signs when leaving and follow the directions of our car park attendants, and be considerate.’

You can find more information on this year’s event on the Southern District Agricultural Society Facebook page or visit the website at www.southernshow.org. You can speak to the secretary, Mrs Sarah Comish on 494497, or email here at [email protected].