Usk Show 2009

Whether you are a farmer, local or visitor to Usk looking for a great day out, Usk Show should be just the thing for you. The Show is one of Monmouthshire’s most popular annual events and 2010 will see the 162nd Annual Show to be organized and hosted by Usk Farmers’ Club. Every year the Show attracts around 20,000 visitors who come to enjoy themselves. There is something for everyone.

The Show takes places on its regular date on the second Saturday in September – 11th September this year – all involved in the preparation for the Show are already firmly focused on the event. Schedules and entry forms are available late Spring, bookings for trade stands are  being taken and arrangements for the layout of the Show are underway.

On the day, Monmouthshire’s top livestock exhibitors compete for their awards in the livestock classes. The Agricultural Secretary, Mrs Caroline Turner reports that in 2009 we had around 400 sheep, 35 Dairy cows and 65 Beef Cattle, booked in. This was a great entry, considering all the TB problems within Monmouthshire, which means many animals are not able to leave their holding. New for 2010 will be Pig Classes, which we are sure will be very well supported and a great addition to the livestock section.

The goat marquee is always popular and early morning visitors can see the goats being milked.

The Horse Section at Usk Show attracts a large number of competitors and spectators. There are opportunities for everyone from young inexperienced riders taking part in unaffiliated classes entered on the day, to Dressage and BSJA Showjumping. Classes include Breeding Ponies, Mountain and Moorland, Arabs, Hunters, Ridden Show Hunter Ponies, Welsh Ponies and Cobs, Coloured Ponies, Sport Horses, Veterans, Side Saddle and Dressage. Horse Secretary Mrs Jenny Cockitt, is expecting a record turnout this year.

Horse classes will start at 8.30 am followed by livestock classes at 9.30 am. Prize winners will take part in the Grand Parade at 3.30 pm in the main ring.

There is lots to see and hear in the Section Marquees: chickens, bantams, ducks and geese in the Poultry Marquee; rabbits of all shapes and sizes in the Rabbit Marquee, bring your dog to compete in the Dog Show or listen to the song birds in the Cage Birds Marquee.

After that, there is always the Horticulture Marquee to visit – how do you get runner beans to grow that long and such big marrows! Beautiful flower arrangements! And if that isn’t enough, the Homecraft Marquee can’t be missed to see hard work and excellence on show from local school children, craftsmen, cooks and photographers.

As well as all of this, there is a large Food Hall selling local produce, a Craft Hall with many crafters there to help and advise you, a Shopping Mall and many Trade Stands selling a wide variety of goods.

Walk further round the showground and join children watching street entertainers: stilt walkers, puppet shows and circus acts or watch them on rides or inflatable slides. Smell the steam engines and wander down memory lane watching vintage tractors and machinery parading.

Find out about and talk to people demonstrating rural crafts. See wood turning, stick making and basket weaving; find out about how traditional cider and dry stone walls are made. There will be lace and corn dolly making and pottery too.

If your feet need a rest or you just want to sit and take in the atmosphere, there’s always Usk Town Band to listen to or lunch or tea can be taken the Refreshments Marquee or try one of the many fast food outlets around the showground. Judging in the Main Ring will be followed in the afternoon by a program of entertainments.

Usk Youth Brass Band and members of Gwent Young Farmers Clubs will entertain everyone with their music around the food courts. There will be plenty of space for picnics, so make a day of it.

There is plenty of free parking if you are coming by car. The Showground will be well signposted from Usk and quickly accessible from the A449 Usk junction. Alternatively, catch one of the free shuttle buses running from Usk’s Twyn Square or the Memorial Hall car park between 9.00am and 6.00pm.

Adult admission charge to Usk Show remain at £9.00. Senior Citizens are charged £6.00 and children aged 5 to 15 gain admittance at £2.00.

Why not become a Member of Usk Farmers’ Club and take advantage of the Members' facilities on Show Day? Free admission to the Show, forward area car parking, Members' badges for exclusive use of the Members' Marquee and its facilities including Main Ring grandstand seating and licensed bar.

Whether your passion is budgerigars or beef cattle, goats or gun dogs, horticulture or steam engines, a visit to Usk Show will leave your senses tingling and your shopping bags bursting. Usk Farmers’ Club Chairman, Gerry Hawkins, said “Usk Show is a great day out for the whole family and a celebration of local farming and all things rural in the county.” The organizers look forward to welcoming you to the 2010 Show.

Dogs are allowed on leads - but not in the exhibition marquees.