New Forest Show returns to celebrate its centenary at New Park in Brockenhurst 26th to 28th July
THE New Forest Show will make its long-awaited return next week to celebrate its centenary after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.
The three-day event will launch on Tuesday at the New Park showground in Brockenhurst, with organisers hoping a revamped offering will attract bumper crowds.
Society chief executive Denis Dooley said measures would be in place if the record-breaking hot weather continued.
He told the A&T: “At the moment the forecast is looking perfect for us – about 22C.
"But if the weather is very hot we have everything in place to look after our staff, visitors and show volunteers.”
This week’s extreme heat has required extra watering of the show rings so they are ready for the public to descend.
Mr Dooley added: “The society has, over the past couple of years, revised plans, adapted budgets and listened to feedback to revamp and improve this famous event."
This year will see more activities, the "most amazing" main ring attraction and bumper livestock entries.
There will also be a heavy horse musical drive, a grand parade of award-winning animals, displays of vintage farm machinery and the popular Pony Club Mounted Games.
The majestic Atkinson Action Horses are expected to draw bumper crowds as the headline attraction. Famed for their stunt riding skills, the team has appeared in countless TV shows including Poldark and Peaky Blinders.
A new attraction this year will be the Heavy Horse Village where visitors will be able to get up close to the animals.
Families can learn more about where food comes from in a new farming experience area to meet local farmers, get close to large farm machinery, watch cattle being milked – and even take part in gin tasting.
Children will be kept busy with climb-aboard tractors and the opportunity to meet young farmers.
A new addition to the 2019 show, the popular canine area, has grown for 2022 with a packed timetable of dog agility, training classes and a fun dog show.
In a bid to support local charities and organisations, the show society has launched a new community area this year where visitors can join in with a range of activities including dance lessons, cricket practice and karate.
Families will have a chance to get close to nature during Little Rangers sessions aimed at five to 12-year-olds. Based in the Forestry England woodland on the showground, the half-hour New Forest District Council-sponsored sessions will include willow weaving, clay mini-beasts and discovering butterflies.
Organisers are also promising the return of the event's most popular attractions including the countryside area, livestock, horses, crafts, WI, bees and the flower tents.
Advanced show tickets are £23 for adults, £22 for concessions, and £3.50 for children aged five and over.
The show ground opens at 8am each day and visitors are urged to come early to beat the traffic or travel by train. Shuttle buses will be running between the showground and Brockenhurst railway station.
