HRH The Countess of Wessex will spend two days at the 122nd Devon County Show it has been announced.

The Countess is President of the Devon County Agricultural Association, which stages the Devon County Show.

This year it will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 18, 19 and 20.

Show Secretary, Ollie Allen, speaking at the launch of the Show held at Southernhay House, Exeter, last week, said Her Royal Highness was looking forward to being part of "this incredible celebration of what makes Devon such a wonderful place to live and work".

“I am sure Her Royal Highness will enjoy going around the showground and will appreciate the wealth of passion and talent working in farming, food production, horticulture, craft and country life,” she added.

Currently the showground is a hive of activity as teams erect metres of canvas to create a virtual town; while off-site exhibitors, businesses, entertainers and visitors anticipate the three busiest days in the county’s calendar.

By the end of the week this week the largest structure will be up; the Crafts and Gardens Pavilion is a huge 500 feet by 80 feet traditional marquee and will house a giant, poignant "people’s memorial to the men and women of the county who died in the First World War. Some 30,000 hand-made poppies donated by local people will form part of a huge display called “Devon Remembers”.

The Show is also an opportunity for farmers to come together to meet the most influential people involved in agriculture today including the President of the NFU Meurig Raymond.

“One other thing about the Show which is more valuable than ever is the opportunity it provides for a scattered rural community to come together, renew old friendships, make new ones, compare notes and - this year especially - discuss what the future may hold,” added Ollie.

FOOD AND DRINK

The food and drink which originates on Devon’s farms has gained international renown and is championed by the vibrant local tourism and hospitality sector.

Deborah Clark, owner of Southernhay House in Exeter and Burgh Island, said: “At Southernhay House we eagerly anticipate the Devon County Show each year and are proud and pleased to support our heavenly county.  If champagne were made in Devon, my life would be complete; nevertheless, each year I am surprised and refreshed by the utter variety and quality of produce from ‘the UK’s kitchen’.

“Our challenge at the launch is to source the freshest, most local, most ethically produced food we can for you.  And it’s easy!  Devon producers are rightly proud and eager to showcase their best.  And not just seasonal producers; as owners of this Grade II listed building, we also appreciate the passion and the sheer graft that goes into preserving our Devon heritage; big or small, landscape or built, Devon is full of culture and quirks.”

ATTRACTIONS

Notable attractions this year, in the Mole Valley Farmers’ Arena, will be the monster trucks "Big Pete and the Grim Reaper" (Friday and Saturday), a display of 100 years’ of farm machinery and, of course, the Grand Parade of Livestock (Friday and Saturday).

The Show’s magnificent Food and Drink Pavilion will be even bigger this year and will feature a new artisan cheese section and a new seating area for visitors to tuck into their shopping. Devon’s super-chef Michael Caines will be in the demonstration kitchen (Thursday and Saturday) alongside other local chefs.

Farming, the countryside, and food is at the heart of the Devon County Show, which is the great curtain-raiser for the animal showing season in the South West.

• This is the fourth year of the Devon Farm Business Awards run by the Addington Fund, Devon County Agricultural Association and Stephens Scown Solicitors. Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on the Showground on the eve of the Show.

• There are more farming-related trade stands than last year, taking more space, including Mole Avon Trading, from Crediton,who will be back supporting the Show this year after a few years’ absence.

• The cream of the region’s breeding livestock will be on display.

There will also be The Children’s Farm, The Mole Avon Wheelie Wild Family Trail, Country life and woodland area, Top equestrian section, Pedigree dog show, Sheep shearing, A shopaholics’ paradise - more than two miles in total of avenues full of everything from a beef rib to a river rib, Historic steam engines, vintage vehicles and tractors, Metalwork and shoeing forges, BBC exhibit with live programmes, Armed Forces and a chance to Test your tractor driving skills at the Tractor Drive or have a go on the 4x4 wheel drive course.

The Show continues to offer good value for money: Two children per adult get free entry on Saturday and Parking is free.

Up to 95,000 people attend the Show each year.

Tickets and further information is available at: www.devoncountyshow.co.uk .

Alan Quick