Newark County Show returns with farming and falconry

Morning Briefing: Saturday, 9th May

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Newark Showground will be dominated by a jam packed schedule of events as it plays stage for the annual Nottinghamshire County Show. This is the 141st year for the show which puts on music, demonstrations, and 272 stalls. Organisers Newark & Notts Agricultural Society (NNAS) call the event a "celebration of traditions".

There was an open call for traders so there will be an array of stalls to browse, not just limited to farming supplies. It is expected food will be quite varied too, with marketing mentioning a 'Festival of Food' including locally produced food and drink.

Outside of vendors, the itinerary lists two tracks of back-to-back events. There is lawn mower racing and falconry on the schedule. Many other events include horses and dogs which have been a staple of farm life for centuries.

The RSPCA has previously raised welfare concerns around animals used for entertainment and performance, including horse racing and performing animals more broadly. The NNAS give fairly standard guidance in this regard: reminders that all DEFRA regulations are to be followed, including those around animal health and transport. There are also veterinarians on site with the authority to suspend performances at their own judgement.

In the past, the NNAS affirmed they were an 'apolitical' organisation and have avoided talking about animal welfare. In 2019, it upset the members of the farming community by hosting the 'Vegan Camp Out'. Newark Showground hosted them for three years, as contracted, before the event moved elsewhere in Notts. The NNAS said it wanted to support all kinds of farming, whether omnivore or vegetarian.

A main focus of the Society is education about the industry. Events like today help fund that. The Society gives support to 16-30 year olds who are interested in joining the industry, whether through funding grants for training or helping organise apprenticeships. For the first time this year, there will be an 'Ask a Farmer' track. Visitors can attend the scheduled sessions with questions or concerns to learn more about animal husbandry, dairy or arable farming, and other topics.

Tickets are £20 per adult with those under 17 getting in free. It runs from 9am until 5pm.

Nottingham school holidays: £3 activities at Stonebridge Farm

Stonebridge City Farm is extending opening hours for the Easter holidays, with daily low-cost activities and free entry as the charity continues to face rising running costs.

Morning BriefingShane P