Melplash Show

About

The Melplash Agricultural Show 2018 takes place at the Showground, West Bay, Bridport on Thursday 23^rd August, and is a true celebration of rural life by the sea offering something for all the family to enjoy.

It is a showcase event for farming, countryside and rural life, and brings together the very best of West Dorset with animals, food, fun and entertainment.  There is an extensive range of competitive events for local farmers to showcase what they do in the numerous cattle, sheep, pigs and farm produce classes.  For the equine lover there is an outstanding selection of horse and pony classes.  For the rest of the community there are a host of horticultural, home produce and handicraft classes for the whole family to enter.

In the Toolstation Main Ring this year the Society is excited to welcome The Cavalry of Heroes.  Marking the 100-year anniversary of World War One, they will be performing a special show remembering the role that the horses and soldiers (our heroes) played in The Great War.    Other main ring attractions throughout the day include heavy horse classes, horse jumping, the parade of hounds and beagles and of course the highlight, the Grand Parade of winning animals and the presentations of the top prizes. 

 

For the younger generation there is a packed programme.  In the Discover Farming marquee children can milk a cow, hold baby chicks, grind wheat and make pancakes; the new Explore Farming tent is full of experiences: put on a Virtual Reality (VR) headset and be on a tractor, combine harvester or in a milking parlour, fly a drone simulator, build a mini steel framed barn or look down a microscope at creatures that devastate our crops or harm our animals.    Tractor Ted is also visiting for the first time.

 

Many of the firm favourites are back too.  In the Kitson and Trotman countryside area - falconry, ferret and terrier racing, ducks and rural crafts; the Porter Dodson Food Hall will once again be bursting with local foodie treats, in the cookery theatre, local chefs will be cooking up a storm including Alan Fryer from the George, Bridport and Philip Frampton from Frampton’s Butchers who are joining forces to show how to prepare and cook cuts of meat for the table.   

 

Alongside there will be over 350 exhibitors and trade stands offering a wide range of products and produce from locally produced food and crafts to tractors….and plenty in between.

 

With the gates opening at 8.00 am and closing at 6 pm visitors of all ages are guaranteed a full day’s entertainment!

 

All children 16 years and under can attend the Show for free.   Adult Tickets on the day - £16 and in advance - £14.  Advance tickets can be purchased from Bridport Tourist Information Centre or on-line or from other local venues.   There is a free bus throughout the day from Lyme Regis stopping at Charmouth, Chideock and Bridport, free park and ride operating off the Symondsbury to Bridport road (B3162) and off the Burton Bradstock to Bridport road (B3157), and free parking off the A35.

 

To keep up-to-date visit www.melplashshow.co.uk or follow Melplash Show on Facebook, Twitter and instagram

 

Other Dates for your Diary

FREE Hedge Laying Training Day – Sunday 16^th September at Bradpole. Call the Show Office 01308 423337 or email office@melplashshow.co.uk to book.

Annual Hedge Laying and Ploughing Match –  Sunday 30^th September on land off the A356, near Corscombe, DT8 3SQ by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Oliver Hemsley of Urless Farm.  Everyone welcome