BAS National Show

The BAS National Show, which takes place in March, is a celebration of all things alpaca and is a highlight of the year for many BAS members, writes BAS CEO Duncan Pullar. The energy and buzz filling the halls at the Telford International Centre (TIC) over three days is great to experience for both exhibitors and visitors alike.

The show ring audience includes visitors who have been alpaca owners for years, those thinking about starting and those who are somewhere in between. There is always a good number of visitors from Europe, and exhibitors are more than happy to ‘chat alpaca’ and explain how the show’s classes are judged and organised.

The judging, which takes place over two and half days, ends on Sunday afternoon when the Supreme Champion Suri and Huacaya are selected in a tense finale and being presented with a Supreme trophy and sash is a huge achievement for the winning owners and breeders.

More than 600 alpacas will be judged this year by two experienced BAS judges working in two rings simultaneously. Tim Hey will judge the Huacaya and Suri females while Mary-Jo Smith will judge the Huacaya and Suri males as well as the Champion of Champions Fleece Show.

The Fleece Show, judged at a separate venue in February, will include those fleeces which have won Champion or Reserve in a BAS fleece show in 2021 and winning fleeces will be on show in Telford.

The Fibre Zone has grown in recent years and includes competitive classes for yarn, garments, homeware, toys and crafts. The quality, inventiveness, and range of products on display is outstanding and well worth seeing.

Trade stands enable companies to showcase a range of products and equipment. Including field shelters and machinery for paddock maintenance, feed and veterinary supply businesses and as well as garments and jewellery made from alpaca fibre.

As well as a showcase for some the UK’s best alpacas the event is a focus for fun, meeting old friends and making new ones. So, make 2022 the year you come and share the excitement at the TIC from Friday 25 March to Sunday 27 March 2022.

For the latest information see the BAS National Show website: www.basnationalshow.co.uk

Photo: Abbey Kite