The countdown is on for the return of Melplash Show.

The agricultural show will take place on Thursday, August 24 at the West Bay Showground in Bridport.

The showground is always packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture, with more than 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors.

Melplash Agricultural Society President 2023, Michael Fooks, said: “Being a farmer and from a farming family, the Melplash Show is an annual event that means a lot to me and my family, they are all actively involved, including my grandchildren.

“After so many years being involved it is a great honour and privilege to be the President. Although a lot has changed, one thing that certainly has not is the commitment and the ambition of the society to provide a family event that celebrates our agricultural heritage and inspires a new generation.

“This year’s show day is going to be another memorable day.”

Staying true to its traditions and agricultural roots, visitors will be able to see the best livestock in the area competing for the top prizes.

The main attraction at this year’s Bradford’s Main Ring is a performance from motorcycle stunt team, Moto Stunts International, who will be performing an adrenalin packed display full of death-defying stunts.

They will be followed by Bob Hogg and his sheepdogs, who will be entertaining crowds with his hilarious sheep and geese herding demonstrations.

Other entertainment around the showfield includes Daphne Neville and her otters.

Daphne has rescued a number of otters over the years and even appeared on Come Dine With Me alongside Rudi the otter.

Farming marquees will also be scattered about, dedicated to helping the next generation understand the role and importance that farming, and agriculture plays in our lives and the environment.   

The whole area encourages learning through exploration with lots of hands-on activities including making butter, juicing apples, making pancakes and even milking a cow.

Across the three fields, trade stands will be selling everything from plants, jewellery, clothing and crafts.

There is also plenty for food lovers to get involved with as there will be regional food and drink to sample and buy in the Porter Dodson Food Hall and around the show field an impressive choice of ‘street food’ to suit all tastes.

To ensure no one goes thirsty there will be lots of hot and cold drinks available including in the Rise Bakery & Bar and in the legendary Melplash Inn run by Bridport’s Palmers Brewery.

At the Moores Biscuits Cookery Theatre, local chefs will be sharing their knowledge and cooking up some amazing dishes using local produce:

10am – Sanjay Choudhury, Taj Mahal, Bridport

11am – Jaap Schep, Three Horseshoes Pub & Kitchen, Burton Bradstock

12 noon – Jake Swain, Station Kitchen, West Bay

1.30pm – James Mearing, Summer Lodge, Evershot

2.30pm – Luyanda Nkoneyeni, Acorn Inn, Evershot

3.30pm – Andy Tyrrell & Faiza, Soulshine, Bridport

Tickets are available on the day for £20 (via card only) or online for £18 and under 16s go free.

For more information visit: https://www.melplashshow.co.uk/.