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The Spring Countryside Show is BACK!

Get ready for an exciting and unforgettable experience – the first show of the year in Dorset’s rural events calendar is just around the corner! A line up exhibits, demonstrations and attractions are set to deliver a weekend jam-packed with fun for the whole family.

The trees begin to blossom, the days begin to draw out and the daffodils flower – celebrating the season that sees the countryside come to life in so many colours and shades while the farms and woodlands see the birth of new life – the Spring Countryside Show opens its gates on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April 2024. 

 What is happening at the Spring Countryside Show 2024? 

Poet Alfred Tennyson may have felt that ‘in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love’. But in a field in Dorset, thoughts are more preoccupied with the love of the countryside! The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show is set to kick off the first rural event in the county’s calendar in fantastic style. 
Family is at the heart of the new look show which takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April at The Turnpike Showground, in Motcombe, SP7 9PL. The two-day event is jam-packed with activities and attractions that children of all ages and adults will love. 
Buckle up as the UK’s only Arena Comedy Car Act and Slapstick Stunt Show hurtles into the main show ring on the Saturday and Sunday. Marvel at madcap stunt clowns careering around in crazy cars. Will Dingle Fingle the undercover policeman finally catch up with car thief Slippery Sid? It’s Keystone Cops antics all the way and watch out you don’t get soaked by the huge water cannon!
We’ve all heard of flying pigs but what about Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs? Five rare breed pigs will be hurdling over jumps and honking in a fun hog hoe-down on the Saturday. 
Not to be bleaten, there’s a chance on the Sunday to see the Lamb National. Think Grand National but with sheep! Hardy Herwick sheep from the mountain sides of the Lake District, known for their agility to negotiate such tricky terrain, compete by jumping over fences. Cheer on your favourite and see who will bleat the other runners! 
There’s also free tractor and trailer rides throughout the weekend sponsored by Friars Moor Livestock in Sturminster Newton, horticultural and gardening attractions, delicious Dorset foods and drinks along with live music to celebrate the arrival of spring. 
For the first time, the Show is launching a photographic exhibition, inviting amateur photographers to capture the world through their lens. The entries will be judged by North Dorset’s renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite who will also be giving an expert talk to share his top tips on landscape photography.
Fans of Worzel Gummidge won’t want to miss the chance to create their own scarecrow. Let your imagination run wild – there’s no theme and you can make use of any materials. The only rule for this great Scarecrow Competition is that the scarecrow must be a group effort.
 

Children’s Group Scarecrow Competition

A chance for your school class, guides, brownies or scouts club to enter a competition to win a prize! Entry is FREE but you must be a group to enter. Entries close on the 14th April. All entries must be dropped off at the show office by 19th April at 1pm. 

 

 

 

Amateur Photography Competition

Judge: Charlie Waite

Class 1: Macro – an extreme close up
Class 2: Architectural – Rural or Urban
Class 3: Rural – Landscape or Seascape
Class 4: Black & White – any subject
Class 5: For under 16’s only – must fit into one of the above 4 classes

Photographers may submit up to 8 photographs from any or all of the above categories. Entry is £3 for each photograph. Entries close Friday 5th April. 

Photographs will be judged and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize will be awarded in each category and will receive a £15, £10 and £5 prize respectively. A prize of £25 will be awarded to best in show.

Photographs must be framed properly. The size of the frame should not exceed 60cm x 50cm for a landscape of portrait and 50cm x 50cm for a square. Each frame must have a hanging cord attached. The cord should not be visible when hung.

 

Tree at Buttermere and Stonehenge Hay Bales photographs kindly used with permission of Charlie Waite

 

 

Trade at the Show!

Trade Stand & Sponsorship Opportunities are available! Whether you are a Craft Producer, Food Trader, Floral Nursery or clothing stand – we have the space and price to suit your requirements. 

Interested in getting your brand noticed at the show?
We've got lots of packages available to fit all sorts of different opportunities. Please get in touch with us at office@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk to discuss further!

The Spring Countryside Show opens on both days at 09:30 and closes at 17:00. 

A Schedule of events and times will be released nearer the Show. 

No, all days are valid for either day, but only one day of the Show. 

A timetable of events taking place at the Show will be available in early April. 

You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat after browsing the Show. Turnpike Showground is large enough to find a spot away from the main Show area to enjoy your picnic. Please do take all rubbish home with you or use the onsite bins provided.

We ask if you bring a dog that they are kept on a short lead, and kept under control and away from all Food stands. They will also not be permitted inside some marquees nor in the Farmyard Area of the Show.

There will be lots of hot food options to enjoy at the Show or  alternatively to enjoy at home. We even have some music for you to enjoy while eating the delicious foods you find!

Yes, you can ride your bike to the Showground and lock it to fencing onsite. Just follow the signs for Car Parking. 

The majority of Traders will accept card. However, we advise you bring plenty of cash just in case.

Due to the Showground being a field we cannot always guarantee perfect mobile signals for the card machines to work. 

There is a cash point located beside the Office. However, there is a charge. 

The Spring Countryside Show takes place mostly outside with a number of internal marquees. We do have a number of covered picnic areas in case of wet weather. 

The Car Park entrance is located along the B3081. 

Car Parking is free of charge with a Show Ticket. 

You can hire a Mobility Scooter from Wheels For Freedom on 01202 670450.

We advise booking early to avoid disappointment. 

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