Despite suffering losses as a result of last year’s freak weather, the North Devon Show is going full steam ahead this year, on the first Wednesday in August. Last year, heavy rain in the run up to the show and on show-day itself put a dampner on things. Attendance numbers were reduced with many not attending because of the inclement weather.
The car park took the brunt of the poor conditions, becoming a quagmire, resulting in it being closed after lunch and subsequently vehicles struggled to leave the showground.
Despite the disappointment of event conditions and the consequent financial losses, the show committee have been bolstered by the support of the North Devon public who have been getting behind this year’s show by raising funds and promoting reduced rate early bird tickets.
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Show secretary Theresa Soanes said: “The long and the short of it is that we lost £98k in ticket revenue. We run a not-for-profit charity event and it was touch and go as to whether we would be able to continue. However, the support of local people here in North Devon has been amazing, quite heartwarming really. Everyone could see that we were hit by a freak weather system, the like of which hadn’t been seen in early August for many a year. The amount of rainfall was just too challenging for us, as it would have been for any outdoor event.
“We apologised to our visitors as it wasn't the sort of day out they had hoped for. However, since then, we have had many goodwill messages, encouraging us to carry on, with people saying they will support the Show as it’s always been their favourite day out of the year. We have the North Devon Community Lottery supporting us, we've held auctions and raffles to raise funds, and we now have the ‘buy the show a coffee’ campaign and our easyfundraising online shopping scheme, which you can find details of on our website, www.northdevonshow.com
North Devon Show celebrates the talent North Devon has to offer and is supported by participants and visitors from all over the United Kingdom. It’s a hub of activity for farmers, livestock owners, equestrians, local businesses, craft, food and drinks suppliers. Featuring many animals, it has also developed a reputation for putting on much loved performances in the Show rings, together with added entertainment for families and visitors. The Showground bus stop is being moved for easier access and a new APP will also be available soon with maps, traders’ information, timetables etc. This year will see the ever-popular giant tortoises return as well as a live music stage throughout the day, the meet and greet animal area, fairground rides and numbers of traders will also be present to ensure there really is something for everybody to enjoy on show day. Fundraising has helped to dent the expenditure hike of rising costs for marquees, tents, equipment hire and general running expenses.
Theresa added: “We are calling out for people to support their local Show, by contributing to our funds in whatever way they can. We have early bird show tickets available at reduced rates, and we encourage people to become members and sponsors. There are numerous ways people and businesses can support the show so please do get in touch. All contact details are on our website. We have an amazing team of over a hundred volunteers and only two paid staff! We really do need all the help and support we can get.”
Despite all the challenges, this year’s show is going ahead on Wednesday, August 7 at the Umberleigh Showground, and is set to provide a full schedule of competitions, attractions and entertainment.
Theresa added: “Just one last thing, I’ve put a special order in this year for the sun to shine.”
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