One of north Northumberland's biggest annual events is set to return this August Bank Holiday Monday after three years away.
The Glendale Show was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but organisers are hoping it'll come back with a bang, with sheep, cattle, horses and even giant tortoises welcomed to the 128th iteration of the (usually) annual show on the Wooler show field later this month. The show aims to bring together all aspects of life in the countryside, mixed with the finest livestock, fruit, flowers, honey, garden produce, baking and country crafts.
Said to be a true celebration of farming and the countryside, it is expected to attract in the region of 12,000 visitors from both town and country. This year, the main ring will feature the "amazing" Atkinson Action Horses, a team of highly-skilled horses and riders from East Yorkshire who have appeared in Peaky Blinders and Poldark.
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Also Up for judging are 79 sheep classes including continental, pedigree and rare and minority breeds, alongside 17 cattle classes. Added to these are the goat, donkey and horse classes, and the dog show - dogs are welcome at the event and their owners can even enter them in the Companion Dog Show on the day, with entries taken from 12pm onwards.
A regular favourite among show-goers also returns: the equestrian classes, which demonstrate the relationship between horse and rider. And there'll also be a return for the Children's Fancy Dress Equine class which is hoped to show a unique display of costume and invention featuring horse and rider.
While spectators will be delighted to see so many old favourites returning, the Glendale Show's newest attraction for 2022 is one that we've already seen in the region this summer at the Northumberland County Show - giant Aldabra tortoises. Privately owned and based in Lincolnshire, they will be making their furthest journey north yet.
Adrian Graham, their owner, said: "They can grow to be a quarter of a tonne so it can be full on moving them around, it can take up to five of us to lift one! They’re a bit like cows with shells and are pretty much self-maintaining but take a little more looking after in the winter months as they don’t hibernate, so we have to provide suitable accommodation and food to see them through – it’s pretty full on."
Rachel Tait, Glendale Agricultural Society Company Secretary said: "Our visitors support us year after year so we’re always keen to add new attractions. I think the giant tortoises are going to be very popular, the children especially, will love them.
"I am also delighted to say that we have our wonderful Horticultural and Industrial marquee, which is a highlight for many. The marquee this year will have classes for cut flowers, baking, photography, handicrafts, and a selection of classes for children.
"The popularity of these classes shows that even in this technological era people are still very keen on working with their hands and nature, everyone will have a chance to show their talent with children and grandparents all entering."
Ian Murray, who has recently taken over as Glendale Society Chairman from Andrew Walton, said: "The show is always looking for engagement from the local agricultural community and with the show having been unable to take place for the last couple of years, we are even more enthusiastic to showcase the quality of the livestock in Northumberland and throughout the UK."
With the show costing around £100,000 each year to stage, organisers rely on sponsors for their support in the show's success. Rachel Tait added: "We are immensely grateful to all our sponsors, both to our longstanding supporters and to those who are getting involved for the first time. Their sponsorship funds so many things and without the generosity of our sponsors, we would not be able to have the show on the same scale and quality that we currently maintain."
Glendale Show will take place from 9am on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29 on the Wooler show field and tickets can be purchased online in advance at a reduced rate. For more information visit the Glendale Agricultural Society website.
What are your plans for Bank Holiday Monday on August 29? Let us know!
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