On your marks to judge for yourself best of the Forest (From Daily Echo)

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Finishing touches for theNew Forest Show

11:18am Thursday 23rd July 2009 in New Forest Photograph of the Author By Julian Robinson, Eastleigh Chief Reporter

‘Land Army’ girls Phillipa Morrish and Kim Jones promote the offer of free entry to former Land Army members at the three-day crowd-pulling spectacular

THE finishing touches are being added to the biggest outdoor event in the New Forest calendar.

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is once again expected to attract up to 100,000 visitors when the three-day event gets underway.

Rare breeds, dazzling arena displays and sumptuous food will all be part of the fun when the gates at Brockenhurst’s New Park swing open.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the showground will play host to a continuous stream of events ranging from cooking displays to vintage tractor rallies.

A giant crop sprayer, motorbike stunt show and some fast and furious pig racing will all feature during the annual extravaganza.

This year shire horses, Iberian ponies and the Cleveland Bay horse, rated critical on the rare breeds list, will all trot in to the main arena.

Showgoers are even being promised views of the Isle of Wight – those daring enough can pay to be winched to the top of a 70ft wooden pole.

Meanwhile, the contribution made by Land Army girls during the war will be honoured with an area dedicated to the role they played in keeping the country going.

Chairman Geoff Morgan said: “I think there is going to be something for everyone at this year’s show. We have a very busy programme as usual.

“We have already sold an enormous number of tickets, but we are hoping desperately for young people to come along.

There is so much for them to learn here.

“The weather forecast is not too bad but it could change. We have got measures to take if that happens, but we will never cancel, the show will go on.”

More than 70 judges will scrutinise everything from onetonne bulls to hand-knitted jerseys.

Up to 368 pieces of art and sculpture including a giant bronze owl will be on display in the Art Pavilion. And more than 300 stewards will be patrolling the show, part-organised by 100 independent companies.

■ For tickets and more information, ring 01590 622400.

Comments(6)

goard says...
11:42am Thu 23 Jul 09

It goes without saying the New Forest Show is great BUT four years ago I took the kids, a sunny day, and it nearly broke my piggy bank! I felt particularly sad for two young mothers with four children - all terribly excited but had to turn away because they just could not afford the huge entrance fee - I saw them trail off back to the car parks and the kids were crying. I have not been back since, but I did enjoy it at the time.

goard