Highlights from the Dorset County Show – 2014

Celebrating its 173rd year, the two-day Dorset County Show truly embraced and celebrated agriculture and its importance to the community. Whether attendees were farming specialists or just on a leisurely outing, there was something for everyone.

The show was a great place to extend ones culinary horizons, with taste bud tickling wild boar burgers, lobster to crack though and plates of seafood paella to sample. Delicious deserts were featured at the show in the form of Dorset cream teas, gourmet marshmallows, Dorset fudge and a whole host of others housed within the Food Fayre tent. Wanting to take home more than a full stomach, we also stayed in the venue to pick up some tips and tricks at the free cooking demonstrations.

Although we didn’t enter any, we did peruse the competition entries, from categories such as best pizza, tastiest marmalade, finest 3D construction and unique artwork, all of which was conveniently under one roof.

Numerous marquees adorned the field, serving as a great place to relax on some straw bales, listen to some live music (this year saw the New Forest Yokels attracting a smiling crowd of head-bobbers with their hilarious lyrics and dulcet tunes), and visit the licensed bars serving a wide range of local cask beers and ciders.

Whilst there, it was also difficult not to embark on a shopping spree. Clothing-wise, there were trendy options available for person and pet alike. In true rural style, there was also the opportunity to pick out a brand new tractor or other pieces of agricultural machinery!

One thing we didn’t see was a bored child. Merry-go-rounds, bouncy castles, mountain bikers and dog & duck shows kept the youngsters in check for the full weekend. There was even the rare opportunity to look closely at a hawk, a kestrel and an eagle owl.

For us adults, there was entertainment in the form of show jumping and stunt bike riders. The bike riders was a particular highlight of mine, watching them soar perilously into the sky and perform gravity defying tricks, complete with a soundtrack of cheers and applause from the on-looking audience.

So, if you’re looking for an action-packed weekend for the whole family, you should definitely give the Dorset Country Show a visit in 2015.

Tom Parrington