Ayr County Show has always been a ‘must-go to’ occasion for farmers in need of a break away from the rigmaroles of lambing, calving and cereal work, and this year’s event looks set to be bigger and better, celebrating the true agricultural roots of the show whilst embracing the future.
As always, the event, staged at Ayr Racecourse, includes the exhibition and competition of all types of livestock, trade stands, crafts, vintage tractor display, SWI competitions, Young Farmers competitions, family entertainment, music, children’s marquee and ‘TT Ayr’ (Trucks and Tractor) Show.
Judging kicks off at 8.00am for the light horse and pony classes, with show jumping classes at 9.00am and Clydesdale horse classes at 10.30am.
The Holstein champion from Willie Watson landed the supreme dairy
Cattle and sheep classes commence at 9.30am, with the champion of champions – competing for the prestigious Rowan Crystal Supreme and £1000 prize money sponsored by Jim Craig, Ayr Mart, in memory of his late wife Rowan – due to take place mid afternoon. Mr Craig also kindly sponsors the prize money for the runners-up to the tune of £200 each.
Other attractions include the local Ayrshire Young Farmers’ District tug of war competitions in the main ring which commences at 9.30am. The Ayrshire Tug of War Club will also be hosting a STOWA’s competition with two eight-aside weights – a ladies 560kg and a men’s 640kg – which will take place after the Ayrshire Young Farmers’ District event.
In excess of 100 trade stands have booked space too and include agricultural dealerships, machinery, services and specialists, food, crafts, bespoke goods, clothing and gifts, equine and livestock products.
For the younger generation, there is the Children’s Marquee that will feature Hannahston Alpacas, The Wearable Art Company Face Painters, Rainbow Twisters – Balloon Twisters and Airbrush Tattoo’s, Daffy Dill entertainment, Ayrshire Beekeepers, Craigievern Poultry display and pigs, Blackstone Valais Blacknose sheep, SmartSTEMS, Cookbook Kids; the great Royal Highland Educational Trust (RHET) and a teddy cow and lamb building workshop with the story of farming
In addition, there will be a sheep shearing demonstration from The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson, The Dinosaur Invasion, Owl Magic, music from Irvine pipe band, The Scottish Old Skool Retro Car Club and an abundance of catering facilities.
Main ring entertainment this year comes from Vander Super Heroes Double Wheel which is always a huge crowd puller, performing spectacular stunts to keep spectators mesmerised.
Once again, judging of the goats on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14, will be staged at Craig Wilson Livestock Mart, and not at the racecourse.
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