County Show debut on new Market Harborough showground

The Leicestershire County Show, which was held at Melton

The event, the annual showcase for Leicestershire’s farming and food industry, is looking to attract 10,000 to 15,000 people to its new home north of the town on Saturday, August 27.

The show will be on the new Market Harborough showground - an 85-acre site at Airfield Farm, reached from the roundabout by Harborough Innovation Centre on the B6047.

The plan is for the Harborough site to be the long-term home for this major Agricultural Show, established in 1833.

This year’s show runs from 8.30am to 5pm on August 27, and features cattle, horse and sheep shows and demonstrations, a family dog show, a petting farm, quad bikes, classic car and tractor demonstrations, craft, trade and food stalls, the Royal Navy Gun Running Demonstration Team and performing ‘gorillas’.

It’s £5 to get in, with under-14s free. More information at www.leicestershirecountyshow.co.uk

The land is owned by builders William Davis Ltd and Hallam Land Management Ltd, and leased to Leicestershire Agricultural Society.

James Webb, county chairman for the agricultural society, said: “We’re very excited about this new Market Harborough venue.

“It’s a relaunch for the County Show, and there’s been a lot of interest. We’ve got to keep building on it.

“The idea is to give families a great day out, before the children go back to school.”

Alison Pratt, for the National Farmers Union, said: “We’re looking to establish this show on its new Market Harborough showground and make it a successful annual event.

“I think this show can build from here, so that Market Harborough will get a name for staging really good shows.

“And as the County Show re-establishes itself, it attracts people from further afield. That has a knock-on effect on hotels and restaurants.”

Harborough District Council leader Blake Pain said the council was already “heavily involved” in this “very exciting event”.

“From what organisers have told me, this is an exciting rebirth of the Leicestershire County Show” he said.

“I would urge local people to support what I’m sure is going to be a great day out.

“And I would say to visitors to Harborough, come and see Foxton Locks, Market Harborough and the wider district.

“I’ve been told that local hotels are fully booked, and that can only be a good thing.”

Opposition group leader Councillor Phil Knowles said: “Thousands of visitors coming to the town is wonderful news.

“It has to bring additional revenue to shops and businesses in the town.

“I hope this show and others will find their long-term home on this showground.”

For more on Harborough tourism go to www.goleicestershire.com/Market-Harborough-and-Lutterworth