Old favourites and new delights at the Royal Bath & West Show

The Royal Bath & West Show returns on 1-3 June 2023, and visitors can look forward to enjoying some exciting new attractions alongside old favourites.

fingered visitors should pop by!

A PILOT project has been launched to help support the growth of Devon’s agricultural industry.

The £500,000 Devon County Council scheme, named the DATA (Devon Agri-Tech Accelerator) project, is aiming to provide support and research for farmers, growers, landowners, and other agricultural and agritech businesses to develop innovations that will help build a sustainable farming community in the county.

Other aspects of the scheme will involve looking at ways of reducing Devon’s carbon footprint, enhancing farm productivity, supporting the local economy and growing the agriculture and the agri-tech business sector.

The combined efforts of Devon County Council, Business Information Point, Duchy College Rural Business School, and the University of Plymouth will add momentum to the project that will cover four key areas.

This includes research and mapping, building an agri-tech alliance of farmers, horticultural, aquacultural and forestry busi-

This year’s Main Ring attraction is the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, who will be wowing the crowds twice daily with their unmissable motorcycle stunt display. The Main Ring will also feature daily displays from Pawsability Dog Agility who are making a welcome return to the show, the Pony Club Games finals, and a spectacular vintage vehicle parade. The hugely popular Pilton Tent, Woodland & Countryside Arena, Great British Dogs & Heavy Horses are all back for another year, along with a full complement of livestock and equine classes. Exciting plans are also in place for the Horticulture area, so green- nesses, creating a farm innovation pilot and forming a knowledge exchange and voucher scheme pilot, Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council cabinet member for economic recovery and skills, said: “A flourishing farming industry is vital for our rural communities, and it underpins the region’s food and drink sector which is so important for our local economy. Through research and support, this project is aiming to ensure that agriculture in Devon can benefit from the use of technology, with farming and agri-tech communities working closely together.

As always, food and drink is at the heart of the Royal Bath & West Show. The organisers are excited to introduce a brandnew Cheese Marquee, packed full of the best cheese the UK has to offer. The Regional Food & Drink Marquee will also be overflowing with mouthwateringly tasty treats from the local area. After its successful 2022 debut, the Great British Kitchen returns, with another exciting line-up of chefs providing free-to-attend live cooking demonstrations throughout the three days. Tickets are on sale now, with each Advance Saver ticket also allowing FREE admission for two children, making the Royal Bath & West Show a great value day out for all the family. Visit www.bathandwest. com/tickets to book your tickets today.

“We’re looking for farm businesses, specifically in West Devon and Torridge, to take part in the farm innovation pilot of the project.

“If you are an agri-tech business who would like to gain financial support to further develop your innovation, please get in touch.”

For more, visit www.devon.gov.uk/economy/devon-agri-tech-accelerator-data, or contact data@devon.gov.uk.