Perth Show

Showtime returns to Perth

It's back!

Perth Show - the city’s longest running two-day family event - stampedes back to the city's South Inch this August after a two-year Covid imposed absence.

And the eagerly awaited 160th annual agricultural showcase is set to be a real crowd pleaser for farmers and general public alike.

The unique event - Scotland’s only agricultural show to be held in a city centre - will take place on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August.

Perth Show competes with the best in Scotland and organisers are keen to provide “something for everyone” as they cater for a public deprived of the district’s largest agricultural showcase since 2019. "Perth Show has grown from being simply an annual gathering of the farming community to a much-loved and anticipated outing for the general public from both Perthshire and beyond," said Show secretary Neil Forbes. "Everyone has missed the fun and fellowship that the two-day event brings over the past two years and we're confident this year's 160th Show will re-establish it as a 'must-see' on the local and national events calendar."

And the organising team, under the chairmanship of Mark Mitchell - who uniquely retained his title for three years in order to host his first physical show - is guaranteeing some new attractions for this year's spectacular. "In addition to all the livestock and equestrian classes that everyone has come to enjoy, we have a full programme of entertainment," said Neil. "This includes the first ever Scottish agricultural show outing for Pig Racing, with all the fun and frolics of these captivating porky entertainers."

New features including donkey rides, children's races and dedicated dog show all join this year's line-up alongside the hurdling piggies.

And favourites such as the Grand Parade of Champions, Vintage Vehicle show, Perthshire On A Plate Food Festival, Scotland's national farrier team and a wealth of trade and craft stands will all return alongside some of the best farming stock in the country, "The farming world hasn't been idle during the past two years and we're looking forward to seeing some new champions among the livestock classes which attract entries from all across Scotland for cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys and goats," said Neil. "It's great for the exhibitors to be back in the ring and for the agricultural community to showcase the best of the best," he added. "With everything from showjumping to shopping and machinery to music, Perth Show continues to offer a great day out for everyone."

This year's Perth Show is backed by a wealth of sponsors including key funders Binn Group, Morris Leslie Group, A-Plan Rural Insurance, Bell Ingram, E Q Accountants and Netherton and Westbank Equestrian.

And Chairman Mark Mitchell is quick to recognise the vital input of sponsors to the running of the Show.

“We simply couldn’t stage a Show without the support of our sponsors and volunteer teams,” he said.

“The whole Show is put together by volunteers and funded by businesses and individuals who recognise the value of such an event to Perthshire, the public and our farming and equestrian communities. We can’t thank them enough.”

Favourite attractions set to return this year to delight the crowds include the spectacle of ridden Clydesdale horses - a class which debuted in 2019 thrilling everyone who witnessed the magnificent giants thundering across the show ring at the canter and setting the turf trembling.

“This is something that few people will ever have witnessed,” explained Neil, “and it’s a joy for Perth Show to host this ‘must see’ attraction for a second time.”

Four-legged friends of the canine variety will also take centre stage this year as Perth Show creates a “show within a show” to cater for the country’s ballooning number of dog lovers.

“We’ve always welcomed lots of dogs to the show ground over the two days,” said Mark, “so this year we’re giving them something special - their own show!”

The Perth Show Dog Show will feature a selection of classes open to all comers and ranging from those that recognise poise and pedigree to those that favour cuteness and character.

“During Covid the country went dog-tastic and we wanted to build on the success of our inaugural dog show in 2019 by creating something significant that dog owners could really enjoy.

“We’ve also secured bookings from a wealth of canine product suppliers and producers to create a dedicated dog section.”

Friday at Perth Show focuses on the equestrian world with classes ranging from tiny ponies to statuesque hunters, who make way on Saturday for their showjumping cousins, heavy horses and carriage driving teams. "This year's Show will continue to feature many of the traditional aspects of agricultural shows loved and valued by generations of farmers, as well as a growing array of new and exciting visitor attractions," said Neil. "No matter where you are in the show ground or what day it is, there will be something to get involved with, compete in or marvel over - whether it's watching a chef in action, strolling through the livestock pens, trying your hand at a challenging sideshow, enjoying hospitality at one of the many trade and business stands, pouring over the latest state-ofthe-art machinery, watching the champions on parade, chatting with the experts, stopping for a tasty bite or a drink at the food pavilion or concession offerings, shopping from the wide range of goods and crafts or cheering on your favourite tug-o-war team. "It's two days of constant and widespread entertainment and engagement that we feel sure will appeal to both farmers and townsfolk,”

Perth Show has always prided itself on being a window to the world of agriculture and a learning ground for youngsters.

Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), who have captivated Show-goers in recent years with their hands on displays and interactive displays including a lambing simulator, an oilseed rape press and their ever-popular Daisy - the milking cow, will play a key part in that education - as will the farmers and livestock themselves. "It's not just educational," said Mark. "For some it's a case of awe and wonder, being up close to a Charolais bull or a giant beautifully harnessed Clydesdale is awesome when you're only a few feet high! And what child doesn't delight in the cute pygmy goats and enchanting Highland cattle. It's a first sighting for many youngsters and our exhibitors are only too happy to chat with the kids and tell them all about their animals and life on the farm."

Saturday at Perth Show also traditionally recognises those workers who have dedicated a lifetime to local agriculture through the presentation of Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland Long Service Medals.

This year will see 40-year service medals go to farm workers and tractor men Sandy Baird at Milton of Collace Farm, Burrelton and George Godfrey at Fullerton Farm, Meigle.

The farming community has been straining at the leash to return to a busy agricultural show calendar in Scotland this year, with potential livestock champions being groomed and pampered in time for the August 5 and 6 showdown at Perth.

And the equestrian following is also delighted to have Perth Show back in their diaries with entries from far and wide lining up to compete in a busy competition schedule.

But Mark is looking forward to his own favourite moment to savour. "When I hear the excited buzz and the happy vibe of a busy show ground and know that we've done everything properly to make people want to return to Perth Show and enjoy themselves, then I'll be content that my time as Chairman was a success - albeit the most prolonged in our Society's history!"