THOSE who attended the 25th anniversary Mid Devon Show, held at the stunning site at Knightshayes/Chettiscombe, near Tiverton on Saturday, July 28, enjoyed a wonderful day out.

It was windy, and there was an odd shower, but the weather was generally fine for most of the day, a far cry from last year’s event, which turned into a mud-bath, leading it to be dubbed the Mud Devon Show.

Bigger and better, there was a true celebration of Mid Devon Life, including livestock, produce and entertainment from Devon and the South West.

The livestock section was full of top animals: cattle, sheep and pigs of all breeds, from farmers and exhibitors near and far.

The grand parade of livestock was a popular main ring attraction but also drawing crowds were daring displays by the IMPS Motorcycle Display Team.

Other main ring attractions included local Young Farmers’ Competitions, Pony Club Games, Private Driving, Parade of Hounds, Scurry Driving and Exeter Pipes and Drums.

There was plenty to see and do around the showground, including a climbing wall, bouncy castles, funfair, donkey rides, Kyrton Archers and the Fire Brigade.

The Countryside Arena had hawks, ferrets, owls and much more!

The Music and Dance Pavilion had live music and dancing performances, including “Double Dealing Duo”, Tiverton Town Band, Exeter Morris, “Barracuda”, Christie James and “Bottle Top Boogie Band”.

The Show had wonderful working demonstrations of farming equipment, and many static displays of farm machinery and vintage tractors on show.

New this year was a picnic area sponsored by Mole Avon of Crediton.

President of the Show was John Lee, chairman, Mole Avon, who said the day had been “absolutely fantastic”.

He continued: “Thousands of people are here seeing the very best that Mid Devon has to offer. It’s been a fantastic day.”

He praised the volunteers who help put the show together, some who have served for more than 20 years.

Mr Lee added: “I hope for those who have not been before, that they will want to come back again, but perhaps, more importantly, they will have a greater understanding of the importance of food, farming and the countryside.”

Winner of the “Crediton Courier” cup, for the Champion Devon, were M and D Cowell of Eastyard Farm, Ashreigney, with their seven-years-old cow, Eastyard Camelia 4th, exhibited by Barnaby Bridgman.

The show charity was FORCE and a total of £1,333.13 was collected in donations.

FORCE thanked everyone who donated.

Photos by Sue Read and Alan Quick