Press Releases
Final Release
The new site at Dunwood Fields, Longsdon is ready and waiting for the 2022 Leek & District Show this Saturday 30th July with ample space for rural competitions of all categories, trade stands, craft stalls and entertainment.
Show Director, Bruce Daniel, commented, “After over 50 years at the Birchall site it has been a marathon task to fit in all that is expected of this, the biggest, agricultural show in the Moorlands. We now realise all the hard work that was put in over the years to establish the event and it is our utmost aim to make up for the loss of the last two years.”
The livestock sections report entries of over 100 cattle, 100 sheep, 65 goats. This year there will be a display of 40 pigs, however the current bird flu restrictions have meant the cancellation live poultry shows. There will be one group of waterfowl on site, however, as they are part of a sheep dog demonstration in the main ring.
The Horse Sections report a near record entry of Shires, which will be judged in the main ring. Together with Carriage Driving, in hand and ridden classes for light horses and ponies have three competition rings, in addition to the return of Show Jumping. Good entries are forward with others accepted on the day.
One hundred and fifty-two local business have taken trade stand space with a broad range of agricultural, commercial and craft stalls arranged in a village street format together with a picnic area served by a range of hot & cold food outlets in addition to members catering and a public bar.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day from a series of Jazz and Swing bands with displays by local dance academies and the Red Barrows in the main ring. The late afternoon will host a Young Farmers tug of war when the local clubs continue their fierce competition which has been going on all year.
For those who are bringing their pets, there is a fun dog show, with entries on the day, and for those who like watching hard work, the Farriers display sees 57 strong men and girls in competition.
The tented area houses the regular competitions between floral arts, horticulture, women’s institute, and eggs. Ornua, our local cheese processor, having a marquee of their own which will host two demonstrations of cheese grading, with a chance for anyone to have a go. A spokesperson from the company has reported that a recent competition within the local middle schools has been conducted to design a wrapping for their centenary cheese. The competition was won by Ellie Milward and cheese in the Centenary wrapper will be on sale with proceeds to support the “We love the Moorlands Foundation”.
Show Chairman, Eddie Sims, commented, “we are especially grateful for the sponsorship of local businesses, without which we would not be able to provide such a wide range of activities and offer to visitors a good day out at a very reasonable entrance price, with a free courtesy bus from Leek bus station, running all day, to boot. We also thank all those volunteers who have worked so hard over the last six months and those who are helping on the day. It’s good to be able to join in with Ornua’s centenary celebrations especially as the name Adams Foods runs through the history of Leek Show.
Finally, If you are travelling from the Macclesfield direction please come through Leek, not through Rudyard, which is a narrow approach to the site.”July
Leek Show Bulletin 15th July 15, 2022
Preparations for Leek & District Show are well underway at the new site at Longsdon with the car park fields having been mown for hay.
With over a hundred outdoor trade stands booked and a further fifty under cover it is clear that the business community are backing the return of the event after a two-year break.
Trade Stand organiser, Mike Ottewell stated “we are delighted with the response from businesses near and far which has allowed us to offer a broad range of interesting stands including agricultural machinery, feed merchants, dairy suppliers, motor dealers, builder’s merchants and clothing suppliers. In addition, we have discounted pitches for local charities including the food bank, scouts and the Samaritans.
No one should go hungry with food stalls ranging from hog roast, venison burgers and oatcakes with drinks, ice creams and pies aplenty”.
The livestock sections include cattle, sheep, and goats with a strong representation of heavy horses which, as tradition dictates, start the day off with judging in the main ring.
A second ring hosts private driving where local enthusiasts will compete in several classes including commercial vehicles. Section organiser, Sue Williams, commented “this is the chance for locals to start on the competition ladder and follow the footsteps of Les Oakes, who cut his teeth at this show in the 1970’s.”
The main marquees house a full range of craft stalls alongside competitions within the horticulture, flower design, homecrafts sections. This year there are no live poultry however there is provision for an egg section. Organiser, David Lowndes, stated “we are pleased with entries, especially in the junior’s section, where we wish to encourage an interest in growing food and decorative plants and maintain the competitive spirit upon which these shows survive.”
Family participation includes displays by two local dance troupes, a fun dog show, the Red Barrows and a dog and duck demonstration, along with a bouncy castle and fairground stalls close to the picnic area and bar.
The Farriers competition has attracted competitors from as far away as Scotland and Ulster with sixty boys and girls making horseshoes close to the horse competitions where classes include in-hand and ridden competitions.
A full day’s entertainment is on offer, with the tradition of meeting folk that you have not seen for a while, and the chance to buy local produce and celebrate the local rural economy.
Local businesses back the return of the Leek and District show.
LEEK & DISTRICT SHOW 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Date Friday 4 March
Local businesses back the return of the Leek and District show.
Bookings for trade stands are now being received by the organisers of the Leek & District Show. This popular event makes its return on Saturday 30th July at a new location, on Dunwood Fields, Longsdon.
Commenting on the plans Trade Stands Secretary, Mike Ottewell, said:
“The Leek Show 22 committee is determined to not only continue the legacy of this famous event but also help ensure that it continues to grow and meet the future requirements of our farming and agriculturally based industries. Dunwood Fields allows the space we need, and it is also more suitable for heavy livestock and a wider range of equestrian events.”
The Application pack for booking trade stands can be downloaded from the Leek Show website at www.leekshow.org.uk . Retail sales businesses such as food catering are invited to contact the Trade Stand Secretary to discuss more specific site location requirements. Charitable organisations can also participate at an agreed ‘partnership’ rate.
Standard trade stands are all eight metres deep with a minimum frontage of four metres. The basic package includes a vehicle pass and two admission tickets. Additional frontage space can be purchased to meet different exhibitor requirements.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Exhibitors and sponsors can display Banners on the main ring and site fencing for a nominal license fee.
ENDS
Enquiries to Mike Ottewell
Trade Stands Secretary
M: 07989 602480