The North Devon Show livestock entries were up 10% this year compared to twelve months ago and there were a great number of animals for show visitors to look at, as judging took place in the cattle, sheep and horse rings.

There were 24 breeds of sheep on display along with 17 breeds of cattle, both beef and dairy, as well as a section for Exmoor Ponies and Veteran Classes which were both new for 2019 along with the usual horse breeds.

The North Devon Show is a friendly and welcoming place to exhibit and is always attracting new people.

There were 1100 show day entry animals as well as 300 exhibitors. It was quite a sight and visitors certainly saw the best that the region had to offer. animals came from as far afield as Hereford to Cornwall for the popular one day show.

In addition to all the Livestock classes, an Education and Petting area was also introduced for 2019 with Alpacas and Valais Blacknose Sheep from Woolley Animals, mini Donkeys and a mammoth Donkey from Dinky Donks and a mini zoo. This area proved very busy and children were able to get hands on with the animals. The education and petting area was a safe and secure area for the children to be able to stroke and hold a selection of animals, giving them a great experience.

The Pig and Poultry Display marquees were very busy throughout the day, along with the Dog Show, attracting many visitors.

As well as the livestock and animals there were a lot of attractions for visitors to enjoy with a packed main ring, tarka ring and a music stage.

The Main ring included Pony Club Games, Carriage Driving Classes, classic car, bike and tractor parade and to finish the day off was the ‘fast and furious’ Inter Hunt Relay which the crowds enjoyed very much.

The Tarka Ring included displays from Barnstaple Town majorettes, Young Farmers, North Devon Falconry and Retrievers and Spaniel Displays.

Organisers were delighted with the newly introduced Music Stage this year which started at 10am through until 5.30pm and included Chris Driver, Brieya May, The Palm Court Trio, Kev Lang, Ella Crossland, Bicycle Repair Man, Making Waves Choir and Big Al and The Wild Strawberries. A great addition to the show.

The circus returned again this year, and was extremely popular, with the first three performances having 700 visitors and the last performance 550 visitors.

The Countryside area was a huge success with numerous demonstrations throughout the day and plenty of attractions to have a go at – charcoal, stone walling, wheelwright wood turner, fly casting, archery, ferret racing, clayzer and several demonstrations inside the Countryside Marquee.