Today is the return of biggest show in west Dorset.

The Melplash Show takes over West Bay showground, with exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture.

Organisers say this year is a special one, marking175 years of the Melplash Agricultural Society. It is also the first show since the pandemic, with the past two events cancelled.

Lucy Hart, show secretary, said: “Our show is a great day to meet with friends, enjoy the countryside and learn more about West Dorset. It also offers a fantastic platform to conduct business so there really is something for everyone.”

The show attracts thousands of visitors and boasts more than 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors.

The society has announced builders merchants Bradfords as the main sponsor for the 2022 show.

Melplash Agricultural Society president Nigel Jones said: “2022 is a special year for us; we have not held a show for the past two years and are celebrating this year 175 years of the Melplash Agricultural Society."

The showground is open 8am - 6pm. 

What's on 

Best in show 

As always there are some excellent competition classes with lots of prizes and magnificent cups to be won.

In the judging rings there are classes to find the best cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and ponies.

A visit to the horticultural, floral arts, home produce and handicraft competition tents is always a highlight of the day and a chance to marvel at not just the size of the vegetables and beautiful floral displays but also the exceptional talents there are in the area.

Discover farming

The Discover Farming area at the Show has become a must visit for all families who are interested in learning more about farming and food production.

This year the theme is ‘Stay Healthy Dorset Style.’ The marquees are going to be packed with interactive ‘farming to food’ activities for children to explore and to find out where their food comes from, how farmers care for the environment and, importantly, how the environment and good food cares for us all!

Bradford’s Main Ring

The main attraction this year is the world-famous Devil’s Horseman, best known known for their work on films, most recently the Crown, Game of Thrones and Lloyds Bank advertisements.

They will be galloping into the main ring to entertain with their breath taking, extravaganza of Cossack stunt riding.

They will be joined by hilarious non-stop stunts from Dangerous Steve including fire and chainsaw juggling, ladder balancing and blindfold motorcycling.

Along with Show Jumping, heavy horses, horse and hounds, beagles and the magnificent parade of prize- winning animals. There is a packed programme in the popular Kitson & Trotman Countryside area including a falconry display on horseback, ferret racing, terrier racing, gun dog display and the always popular terrier racing.

Entertainment includes

The Sheep Show

Strawberry Jam the Clown

Wyld Morris

Professor Crump

Punch & Judy

BubbleMan and Bubble Faerie

Sheridan the Sheepdog

Daphne Neville and her otters

The FB Pocket Orchestra

Dorset Young Farmers

St Swithun’s Band

Jurassic Dinosaur

SpiderCam

Flight Simulator

Fun Fai