Agricultural show returns and praises 'those who helped us through pandemic'
The three-day Devon County Show returns today - the first agricultural show with animals and competitions staged in 22 months.
Last updated 2nd Jul 2021
The three-day Devon County Show returns today - the first agricultural show with animals and competitions staged in 22 months.
After a year off, there'll be 25,000 tickets on each of the days - similar to the numbers pre-pandemic.
This year there will be a focus on those who helped the county with a 'Great Devon Parade' on Sunday.
Organisers say while the Wembley Euro finals have 60,000 people in an 11 acre venue - the county show will have less than half that each day in an 83 acre site, not including car parks.
Organisers say those arriving and leaving will be naturally staggered - compared with a sporting event where everyone arrives for a set time - making it extra Covid secure.
15 Covid marshals will also patrol the site to give advice and prevent any issues.
This year's event will have 1,200 horses, 1.300 sheep, 100 goats, 90 pigs, 1,000 dogs and 'lots' of chickens.
Many of the usual activities and show areas will not be undercover this year because of the pandemic.
M5 traffic will be directed to use junction 30 to access the showground via the A376 and A3052, while A30 westbound traffic will be directed to exit at the Daisy Mount junction and use the B3180 and A3052.
John Ingram, Highways England emergency planning officer for the South West, said: “We are working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers as much advice as possible to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.
“Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as local, freight and holiday traffic.
“The A30 east and west of Exeter and A38 south of Exeter could also see increases in traffic, and drivers are advised to plan their travel routes well in advance, and to keep up-to-date with the latest road conditions. Yellow signs will advise show visitors which route to take on the approaches to the show.”
A highlight on the opening day of the 125th show will be a 'Future of Farming’ event - chaired by David Fursdon, Lord-Lieutenant of Devon and President of Devon County Show for 2021.
He said: "The Devon County Show is being held at a time of great change in British agriculture following Brexit and a complete change in the way that financial support for farming will be delivered by Government.
"There is also a huge increase in interest from consumers about where food comes from, as well as in the interaction of agriculture with biodiversity and climate change.
"So, it is an appropriate time for the parent organisation for the show- the Devon County Agricultural Association- to look at the future of farming in Devon, what it means for farmers in the County and how they will make their living in future."
On Sunday events will be held to mark 'National Thank You Day' with a 'Great Devon Parade' in the Main Ring on the final day to coincide with National Thank You Day.
It will see 32 organisations from all around the county, parading the show ring, in the presence of a number of dignitaries from the region.
The attendees will also be the recipients of an official salute, taken by David Fursdon.
Some of the organisations to be represented in the parade include Hospice Care, the Catholic Church Society, the Fire Service, and Young Farmer’s Club.
The parade is the idea of a group from Devon County Show, all of whom have witnessed the extraordinary lengths so many have gone to in order to connect with their local community.
Show Manager Sam Mackenzie-Green said: ‘We’ve witnessed community kindness in some shape or form during the pandemic, whether we’ve offered it ourselves or been the recipients. The parade will be a fitting tribute.’
"It will be the first time in the show’s history that we’ll be ending the show without animals in the main ring’ Sam continued.
"As animals can be notoriously unpredictable, it’s humans only in 2021 to ensure we can comply with social distancing regulations.
"The main ring measures 110m x 70m and can easily accommodate the anticipated numbers.’
For more about the Devon County Show click here