Party Atmosphere marks successful 90th Kent County Show

Lucy Hegarty, Show Manager said, “The Show team have been planning this 90th Show all year and we were delighted that everyone that attended helped us celebrate this huge milestone. The atmosphere was fantastic, and we were pleased that all our exhibitors, trade stands, displays and entertainment joined the party and helped make this a really special Show for our 2019 visitors.” Thanks were also given to all the Show’s sponsors who this year included Quinn Estates, Savills, MHA MacIntyre Hudson, and Wingham Wildlife Park. The Kent County Show were honoured that their Patron, HRH The Duke of Kent, KG attended on Friday 5th July. The Duke of Kent who became Patron of the Kent County Agricultural Society in 1975, has been a firm supporter over the decades, attending the Show on numerous occasions. This year he took particular interest in the heritage vehicles, Kent farriers, livestock and the young farmers who compete over three days and also took the time to plant a tree in the Woodland Area to commemorate the 90^th Show. Headlining the entertainment this year were The International Dzhigitovka Show who performed twice daily in the main Astor Ring. Visitors cheered them for their superb horsemanship and were the perfect entertainment for the light-hearted and friendly celebratory atmosphere. They, along with all the trade stands, displays and demonstrations helped make the 90th Show very memorable. James Forknall, Chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society said, “As my first year as the Show Chairman, I was overwhelmed by the kind comments from visitors. I am delighted that our anniversary Show was so enjoyable, and I was impressed with the standard throughout. This is a massive team effort and the support from our show team, members, stewards and volunteers made my job this year very easy. I feel that after 90 years we have gained the knowledge and commitment to give our visitors a fantastic experience.” The trade stands this year put on a colourful and relaxed display with many hosting free activities, particularly for young visitors to learn about farming, healthy eating, keeping fit and the environment. Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), toured the Show on Friday and was able to talk to a large number of farmers and producers about current issues facing the industry. Historically, when it started in 1923, the County Show was a place for farmers, farm workers and those you worked in the countryside to meet up and see the latest equipment and services on offer. The early livestock competitions are still the same today and aim to highlight the professionalism of the industry. Today, the Show is open to everyone but still maintains the same traditions, this year emphasising the importance of farming and food production and offered the public a chance to learn about the countryside. Livestock entries were good for the Show and this ensured that visitors were able to see all the competitions and enjoy the large number of animals, particularly in the sheep area. Supreme Champion Beef was presented to Barwood and Padfield from Norfolk, and the Supreme Dairy Champion was Mrs C Moody from Essex. Supreme Sheep Champion was Miss R McMaster from Surrey. The Kent County Agricultural Society has been privileged as a charity to have run 90 Shows and in turn have donated and given hundreds of thousands of pounds to exceptionally worthy causes. The Kent County Show is produced as part of the Society’s charitable objectives and runs to support a huge number of other charities, organisations, students and school farms in Kent. This initiative will continue in the future and the proceeds from future Kent County Shows will continue to be used to help the rural community. James Forknall, Chairman said “We are thrilled with this year’s Show, the showground looked wonderful, visitors were happy and the sunny and dry weather helped to swell visitor numbers. We are now looking forward to planning our next milestone in 2023 to celebrate 100 years of the Agricultural Society.” The dates for the 2020 Show will be Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2020. For more information or images contact Becky Parrock, Events Assistant becky@kentshowground.co.uk Kent County Show – 3,4,5 July 2020 www.kentshowground.co.uk www.facebook.com/kentcountyshow https://twitter.com/kentcountyshow info@kentshowground.co.uk