I'll be selling within the Dorset Artisan Craft Marquee but see below for some more info about the show:
Let’s start with a bit of History - The Show formed in 1840, the year that Thomas Hardy was born, Cunard Ships launched a transatlantic Shipping Line, the Penny Black Stamp was issued and a group of local farmers advertised the 1st Annual Exhibition on 6th August 1840; forming The Dorchester Agricultural Society.
So little has changed and yet everything has changed – it is still mainly run by farming families and those with an interest in farming, horticulture, food and the countryside. Competitions bring out the best from the area to challenge for the cups, trophies and awards. Food and Drink are abundant in all corners of the showground, entertainment is laid on and best of all it becomes one big social event for Dorchester and Dorset; nothing really has changed!
Food and Drink can be purchased all over the showground, but nobody minds if you bringing a picnic either.
Farm animals: be careful around the farm animals, some might bite but all are beautiful and each animal that is shown is pampered by the farmer owner; farmers and stock people love animals, sometimes more than humans! From huge bulls to small rare breed sheep – chickens, pigs and goats too. The best farm animals are here to compete and be displayed. Please wash your hands after visiting any animals, it is best practice and after all you will want clean hands for that ice-cream or tasty snack.
Tractors Galore, red, red and black, green, light green, green and yellow, orange, blue, black and some that can be any colour you order – they are all here in various sizes and prices. Farming still remains central to the show, the county and without farmers there would be no food!
Homecraft and Horticulture tents are a rarity outside of Dorset and the West Country – but here at the Dorset County Show they thrive and every year grow just a bit more – don’t miss out, anyone can compete, honestly it is not complicated, fill in your name for a schedule and we send you one! Children in particular get such fun from entering competitions and the seeing if they have won!
Horses & Ponies are a major part of any show – Here at Dorset County are several Dorset Finals plus qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show, so you just might be looking at a National Winner in the making. Carriage Driving is a hugely expensive hobby – but to see a coach and four with everyone in their finest outfits is a spectacle to behold; scurry racing on the other hand is mad, mad and more mad – but has to be watched. Show Jumping is still a graceful sport over jumps that you think are impossible, this takes place in the horse area and the main ring, don’t miss watching these great animals jump the impossible.
What’s left – well … vintage cars, funfair, food halls, cookery demonstrations, shoppinging, beer tents, craft stands, the latest cars, rabbits, bees, cavies, country sports such as ferret and terrier racing Visit the peaceful lake side area and all the countryside activities.
Have a happy and fun filled Show, meet up with friends and we hope you enjoy it!
