SINCE Victorian times, Kington Show has had an irresistible pull on people from both sides of the Welsh border and beyond.

Fashions may have changed but appeal remains strong 134 years later as organisers and exhibitors prepare for this year’s event, on September 12, at The Ovals Farm, Penrhos. Believed to be the last remaining one-day livestock show in the county, it is reckoned to be among the finest in the UK.

A major success story in the region, the show has weathered foot and mouth outbreaks, floods and war, yet still continues to provide an opportunity for showcasing the richness and diversity of Herefordshire and the borders.

There’s the traditional side of the show – horses, cattle, sheep and poultry, and the magnificent grand parade of livestock which always proves a compelling spectacle.

A dog show continues to grow in popularity among entrants from over a wide area, and the horticultural show is held in great affection - and awe - by exhibitors and visitors alike. Shearing competitions are always a great crowd-puller, as are the Young Farmers’ events. The carcase competition has proved to be a huge success too.

Nearly 200 trade stands have booked pitches on the showground, many of them local producers with a wide range of displayed goods from arts and crafts to tractors.

There really will be something for everyone on the showground. The Bill Bailey Band will be playing their own brand of foot-tapping New Orleans and Dixieland jazz, and the main ring will echo to the strains of the Builth Wells Male Voice Choir.

And then for something completely different...A knockout contest organised by Oaker Wood Leisure will be fielding local teams clad in huge Sumo suits, or battling gladiators and a challenging obstacle course.

Sheepdogs working with sheep, geese and ducks are always a prime attraction at country events, and Bob Hogg’s display is certain to be highly entertaining. Children are invited into the arena while the dogs work the ducks around the obstacle course..

Professional performers will enthral and bemuse crowds with Van Buren’s Illusionist Show which promises to be crammed with magic, illusions, juggling skills, comedy, escapology and audience participation. A ‘few surprises’ are promised along the way. Children and adults will be able to have a go at a series of circus workshops.

Radnor and West Hunt will take to the main ring where youngsters can meet and greet the hounds, while children from 18 months to six years old can explore mobility on two wheels as they test ride a balance bike and play with other youngsters in a cordoned off area.

A unique experience is guaranteed with all types of animals in a collection that will include lizards, snakes, giant rabbits, creepy crawlies, chinchillas, hedgehogs and tortoises to name but a few!

Alternatively there’s the Ferret World Roadshow, a chance for children to race the furry stars while learning all about them. Then there’s Welsh trotting or harness racing in the main ring, provided by Wales and Border Counties Racing and no show is complete without the might and muscle of the Wye Valley Axemen.

competition.

Sheep shearing will be a must for show-goers with junior, intermediate, senior and open sharing competitions which is expected to attract the UK’s top operators as well as shearers from overseas.

Meanwhile, local dog trainer Vic Olner will be organising a ‘have a go’ gun dog scurry fun event, a challenge for your canine to retrieve against the clock.

The interhunt competition continues to be a huge crowd puller with fast and furious racing over jumpscontinues to be a huge ‘crowd puller’ with fast and furious racing over jumps.