THE countdown is on to next month’s Castlewellan Agricultural Show.
Once again the town’s stunning forest park will host the prestigious event with the organising committee joined recently by supporters and sponsors to formally lunch the July 13 spectacular.
The annual show offers a fantastic, fun day out for all the family, with something for everyone with the one-day celebration of local farming, food and rural life a key event on the district calendar.
This year’s chosen charity is Slieve Croob Community First Responders who are delighted and its volunteers will be on hand to chat with people at their stand.
On the day there will be a variety of livestock classes, with thousands of animals being judged, including beef, dairy, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, pigs, poultry, rabbits and cavies.
And for the first time this year, all entries will be submitted online at castlewellanshow.com
Attractions include the ever-popular showjumping, impressive dog agility and the return of the pony games and family pet show.
For younger visitors, there is plenty to see and do, with children's entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting and much more.
A great variety of trade stands means there is something to suit all tastes, with beauty products, toys, clothes and farm machinery to browse.
In the impressive craft village, visitors will find local, homemade arts and crafts as well as original artwork by acclaimed artists such as Nigel Allison and Catherine Swan.
Other show highlights include the Home Industries marquee, where local schools get involved with some amazing displays.
Or why not tuck into something tasty in the Food Village, proudly promoting local produce. There is also a new Eco Village at this year’s show, promoting the environment and sustainability, sure to be an interesting addition.
Attractions this year include Mourne Alpacas and a Fleece Marquee, while there will be model farm displays, spinners and weavers and NI Stick Makers.
Seaforde Vintage Club will be hosting a display, with the PSNI and Fire and Rescue Service also in attendance and also in attendance will be Castlewellan Integrated Choir.
There will also be dancing displays, a vintage tea marquee by Spa and Seaforde WI and a showcase from County Down Young Farmers.
With all this and so much more to enjoy, Castlewellan Show offers a fantastic local day out for all the family and runs from 9am to 6pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at castlewellanshow.com.