One of the biggest and longest running island events, the Southern District Agricultural Show, attracts more than 10,000 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 29 and Sunday July 30.

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

This year’s entries have seen an increase in many sections and the best of the Island’s cattle, sheep, goats, 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.

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 tent 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 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, Charlie Vernon, and his chosen judge will know!

Davison’s Ice Cream is sponsor of 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 work by Rushen Heritage Trust and kindly sponsored by Everest.

’The History of the Southern Show’ will also be available to purchase here with a special show day 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 W.I. tea tent and independent caterers all with something mouthwatering to offer. Local produce is promoted at the show and it’s a great place to come and enjoy the huge variety on offer.

The Southern Show is the perfect opportunity to showcase everything about our island community and 2017 is going to be bigger and better than ever.

The show’s gate charge has stayed the same for 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.

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

This will run from Billown crossroads towards Castletown.

The southern policing division will be in attendance, and the committee has been working with the police to review the traffic situation at the Southern Show.

Traffic to the showfield will be strictly managed, and organisers would be grateful if visitors could follow the directions of the police and the volunteers to help alleviate any congestion.

With these stricter controls, they are hopeful that leaving the showfield will be a little easier. However, show-goers 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 and the directions of the volunteer car park attendants, and be considerate.

For more information on this year’s show have a look at the Facebook page or visit the website www.southernshow.org. Or contact the secretary, Sarah Comish, on 494497 or email [email protected]