The 2017 Stranraer Show is fast approaching with a week to go until the big day. The Show will take place at its home, London Road Playing Field, Stranraer on Wednesday July 26. This year marks the 173rd Stranraer Show and the organisers have been busy over the winter months making arrangements and booking entertainment to ensure that this year’s show has something for everyone and is a great day out for the whole family.
Stranraer Show is renowned for its quality livestock and this year will be no exception with well supported classes for dairy, beef, sheep, goats and horses. New for 2017 we have a section for Zwartbles sheep, an up and coming breed on the show circuit. Also, this year incorporated in our sheep section is the Border Leicester National Show.
The horse rings will be busy all day with showing classes in the morning and show jumping in the afternoon ensuring lots to enjoy for our equestrian enthusiasts.
Entries in the baking and craft competitions are strong which means the Homecraft marquee will be well worth a visit. New for 2017, the junior section has been split into two age groups and everyone is looking forward to seeing what wonderful ideas our junior competitors come up. The Homecraft marquee will also host the Inter WI competitions with the theme this year being 100 years of SWRI / SWI.
There will be loads going on in the Craft Marquee with live cooking demonstrations throughout the day from Henry’s Bayhouse and the Old Colfin Creamery and The Meeting Place will be mixing up a cocktail or two.
There are numerous stands in here too displaying and selling a wide selection of articles and produce from the local area. There will be cupcakes, sweets, home baking, greetings cards, soft furnishings, handbags, scarves, jewellery, candles, plants and so much more.
The main ring provides continuous entertainment on the day starting with the popular dog show, followed by a display by Glenluce Vintage Tractors. This year we have Broke FMX a motorbike act returning to entertain with high flying action stunts. The annual parade of livestock and presentation of prizes in the main ring is the highlight of the day and competitors collect their well-deserved trophies. We are delighted that Sybil Macpherson, who starred in the hit BBC series “This Farming Life”, has agreed to present the prizes.
There will be over 100 trade stands to browse and fun fair rides for children. This year we have a new Children’s area with entertainment provided throughout the day by the Road Runner Children’s Entertainer and friends. Owl Magic are also returning with their ever popular stand. There will be Sheep Shearing in the afternoon, live music provided by local band Acoustica and a Tug o’ War competition.
Again this year we ran our popular poster competition in the local primary schools to design a poster to promote the show. The winner this year was Chloe from Kirkcolm Primary School. There will be the opportunity to view Chloe’s winning design along with all the other prizewinning entries in the children’s marquee on show day and you can see Chloe’s fabulous design all over town on the show posters. The winning artists will also be presented with their prizes in the main ring at noon on show day.
As you can see this year’s Stranraer Show promises a wide variety to entertain all tastes. For further information about any aspect of the Show please contact Show Secretary Kathryn Jamieson or follow us on Facebook to be kept up-to-date as the final preparations take place.
