Date announced for this year's North Devon Show

Make a date for Wednesday, August 2, for this year’s North Devon Show, with plans well underway for the region’s largest outdoor event.

Last August over 22,000 people flocked to the Umberleigh Showground following an enforced two-year hiatus due to Covid.

The record-breaking crowd proved how locals and tourists alike had missed the much-loved celebration of what North Devon has to offer. The Show has quite a history, and two of its longstanding devotes are keenly looking forward to this year’s renewal.

Francine Braund of Woolsery has been regularly attending the Show since its first inception back in 1966. She recalled: "It was known as the Instow Show back then, and held just up from the Torridge estuary near Westleigh. It was a picturesque setting, with beautiful views, though it wouldn’t be big enough now to cope with what has become such a popular annual event.

"We were fortunate enough to have some decent ponies to compete in our chosen equestrian events, and ever since then we’ve always tried to take part, missing only one or two over the years. Mind you, back when I was taking part in the children’s Showing Classes, I remember having a pony that bucked like a bronco. I can still recall being presented with a pair of riding gloves by the judges, just for staying on I think!"

Over the years the venue has changed and amalgamation with other local shows has morphed into what we now know as ‘The North Devon Show.’ Francine added: "I remember, in the early days, things didn’t always go to plan, like when you couldn’t hear the tannoy, which doesn’t help much when you are in competition. Everything is impeccably organised now, and we really missed the show during Covid times. It’s become a hugely popular event, largely because the animals are amazing, the equestrian community loves it, and the entertainment line-up has something for all. On top of that, the venue the show has settled at now is superb, as good as anywhere in the country, and great for competitors and spectators alike.’

The venue, Barton Farm, Umberleigh belongs to local farmers The Andrew's family. The 95 acre plot was first used to host the Show in 2010. Heather Andrew said: "We have been pleased to support the show committee and the people of North Devon by helping to showcase the best of North Devon farming, equestrian and country pursuits. The show offers so much variety. My own favourites are the livestock entries and horticultural exhibits, but my grandchildren love the entertainments laid on, and the Circus has been a favourite of theirs in recent years.

"It’s a shame that Covid forced the cancellations, but along with many other such events there was little choice in what to do. It was wonderful to see the show back last year, and the attendance reflected the importance of it to the North Devon community. There’s a similar feel regarding this year’s show, keen anticipation, with many looking forward to catching up with old friends. Let’s hope for another wonderful day of glorious sunshine!’

Mrs Andrew also said she was very pleased to become the show’s president for the first time, she said: "It was such an honour to have been elected for the role this year. It means a few more responsibilities than normal, but it’s something I am very much looking forward to. So many work so hard to put this fabulous Show on."

Once again, the show will be celebrating the region’s rural, agricultural and equestrian heritage, as well as providing a host of entertainment and activities. Show secretary Theresa Soanes said: “It really is a unique day out, appealing not only to our farming, equestrian and agricultural communities, but to the whole North Devon region. Many families tell us that it is the best outdoor event of the year. Locals love it, and some from far away even plan their holidays around it. That’s why we make a special effort to appeal to families with a full entertainment and activities programme. We intend to put on an equally good show for them this year!"

Included for 2023 are the ever-popular circus, fairground rides, laser clay pigeon shooting, vintage car and tractor displays, livestock classes, pig displays, equestrian events, a dog show, horticultural show, music stage, a crafts and gifts marquee, numerous trade stands and all the usual main-ring activities. Additionally, this year you can look forward to some breath-taking skills via the Squibb freestyle motocross stunt show, plus a new Exmoor pony display, and the return of the food hall marquee.

Show secretary Theresa Soanes said: “The public’s response to the 2022 Show was amazing, with so many saying they had really missed the event, which we hadn’t been able to put on since 2019. We are counting down the days to this year’s event, with not long to go now, and we are doing all that is possible to ease traffic flow, to make the whole getting to the showground experience a lot easier.’

Theresa Soanes concluded, “Advance tickets are already proving popular, as not only are they cheaper but they give automatic free return bus rides to the show. People like that idea as they can get picked up from all over North Devon and get dropped off right up by the entrance. Pick up points this year include Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, South Molton and Umberleigh Station.

Tickets are currently available from a number of outlets, with details available via www.northdevonshow.com.