One of the biggest and longest-running island events, the Southern District Agricultural Show, now attracts well over 11,000 visitors throughout the show weekend.

Hosted at Great Meadow Park in Castletown, with the kind permission of Mr and Mrs RSD Riggall, this year’s show will be held on Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July, 29.

Agricultural shows have experienced quite a revival in recent times and the Southern Show is no exception.

Despite the difficulties with the weather, this year has seen an increase in many sections with lots of interest from the younger members of the farming community!

So the best of the island’s cattle, sheep, and heavy horses will be competing for top prizes.

The show also boasts one of the biggest light horse shows on the island.

Following months of preparation, all the animals will have been pampered to perfection, and in displaying top quality stock at such an event, there is no better advert for Manx agriculture and rural life.

Judges, both from the UK and the Isle of Man, will certainly have plenty to do.

As if this wasn’t enough, there is the enormously popular dog obedience and agility, which also makes for great viewing, and the renowned fur and feather display.

With a remarkable show of fancy breeds it’s best to visit early as its popularity means that it gets pretty busy in there.

Isle of Man Creameries will be supporting the dairy section once again, and they will have produce in the DEFA producers’ marquee as well as milking demonstrations at the cattle lines. The committee is keen to encourage the next generation of Manx producers, and the young handler classes for both the beef and the sheep sections are gaining new exhibitors every year.

The society is grateful for all of the support from sponsors, helpers and contributors that make the event possible.

The high point of the day, of course, is when the day’s winners are paraded for the supreme championship.

The identity of the supreme awards judge is traditionally kept top secret until the moment of judging.

Only the society president, Ms Rebecca Sinfield, and her chosen judge will know! Davison’s Ice Cream will sponsor for the Supreme Prize Money once again, as well as supporting the show with prizes for competitions on the field.

It’s not just the animals looking good at the show.

The produce tent proudly displays home baking, produce, flowers, arts and crafts.

The Women’s Institute tent showcases creative displays, and there’s loads of entertainment and trade stands with special offers and competitions to take part in.

Other highlights this year include traditional crafts, miniature animals and farm displays, the NFU maze, the Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, DEFA’s producers tent, children’s entertainment, and much more.

The Isle of Man Bank will have the mobile unit ’Penny’ on site with a cash machine for visitors’ use.

Sunday’s exhibits include a country crafts area, harness driving, showjumping, dog shows and a fun MSPCA pet show.

The heritage tent will be displaying the work of the Isle of Man Antiquarian Society, and a photo display of past Southern Shows, and is kindly sponsored by Everest.

The history of the Southern Show will also be available to purchase here with a special showday discount.

In the main ring a varied programme of displays and activities will keep everyone entertained. These include stock judging, Ellan Vannin Gymnasts, carriage driving, pony club games, Triskelion Polo Club, Isle of Man Bloodhounds, vintage machinery displays, the hilarious meg lamb show and the now legendary lawnmower grand prix - an event exclusive to the Southern!

For refreshments there is the beer tent, delicious local food from the WI tea tent and many independent caterers all with something mouth-watering to offer.

The show committee is dedicated to promoting all things local, and this will be evident with all the fabulous produce available.

The Southern Show is the perfect opportunity to show case everything about our island community and 2018 is going to be bigger and better than ever.

The show’s gate charge has stayed the same for well over 15 years, and at just £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s on Saturday, and £3 for adults and free for kids on Sunday,

It’s excellent value.

The show is open both days from 10am to 6pm. Dogs on leads are very welcome both days.

All visitors to the show must remember that a one way traffic system will be in place for Saturday’s show from 10am until 5pm.

his will run from Billown crossroads towards Castletown.

The southern policing division will be in attendance, and traffic to the showfield will be strictly managed.

We would be grateful if visitors could follow the directions of the police and the volunteers 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 on the day!

We are reducing congestion at the show gates so leaving the showfield 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 volunteer car park attendants, and be considerate.

For more information on this year’s show have a look at our Facebook page or visit our website www.southernshow.org.

Or talk to the secretary, Mrs Sarah Comish on 494497, email [email protected].