TIME is running out to get your entries in to one of the only local shows going ahead this summer – East Kilbride Farm Show.

The Lanarkshire event is going ahead – albeit behind closed doors – on Saturday, July 31, with a view to ironing out any teething problems ahead of its big 250 anniversary show, in 2022.

It is also moving location, to a much bigger show field at West Nerston, near East Kilbride.

Owned by new show chairman, Fergie Watt, the new site is much larger than the events’ previous home.

“This year is a dress rehearsal for next year, essentially,” explained outgoing chairman and current show director, Sandy Wilkie.

“The new site has so much more scope for what we can accommodate, so we want to see what it’s like, how it runs, and how things would be best laid out. We also just really wanted to be able to hold an event this year, after things being so up in the air over the last year or so!”

East Kilbride show was first held in 1772, and four years ago the committee set out a plan to hold a much bigger event that has been seen historically.

In 2019 they introduced a Farm Animal Barn – or FAB tent – a craft fayre, and a band stand for local musical talent, and they have plans to add a street food area at next year’s big event, showcasing local produce and wares.

Livestock and equestrian sections will still be at the heart of the show, and it’s hoped that Lanarkshire exhibitors turn out well to support their local show.

Sandy continued: “We’ve done a lot of COVID training for our staff and stewards, ahead of this year’s event. Yes, things are easing slightly, but there is still a lot that we must comply with.

“We won’t have catering because of this – each judge will be given their own individual ‘packed lunch’ – and unfortunately there will be no bar or anything!

“As well as this, even though there won’t be any general public present, exhibitors and show staff won’t be allowed to cross between different livestock sections. It’s difficult, running a show in this current climate, but we just want to build the momentum and continue to increase what East Kilbride Farm Show has to offer.”

At one time, East Kilbride show started on the Friday night with a harness racing competition and carried on until the Sunday with livestock and equestrian events.

Sandy continued: “We’re not saying we’ll be getting back to that version of events – although we would love to have a harness racing track at our anniversary event – but we really want to modernise and make it a great event that local people can enjoy – both those from the farming world, and people from the town itself.”

The show now has a strategy group as part of its set up, and they are looking to the future as far as how they can give back to the local area is concerned.

Plans are afoot to develop an East Kilbride show bursary scheme in the coming years, to support a young Lanarkshire person in agriculture, on an annual basis.

Sandy explained: “We want to push forward now, develop our set up, and make it something that can be a big part of the community for a lot of years to come.

“We have several young farmers on our committee, and it’s important that they’re at the heart of things.

“East Kilbride Young Farmers actually won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service this year, the first YF club to do so, so that just shows the enthusiasm of young people in the area. They are also key to our social committee!

“Between them and our very able secretary, Kris Paterson, we have a great team behind the scenes.

“Nobody is claiming that this year will be the longest show day that East Kilbride will have ever seen, but we’re over the moon to be holding this, and we very much hope we’ll be back with a bang, with our showcase 250 year anniversary event in 2022!” he concluded.