Counting down to the 66th Epworth Show

TEAM GB may have flown over the final hurdle and run the last race, but organisers of the Epworth and District Agricultural Show are preparing to pick up the baton and push the boat out for some final festivities this summer.

Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, Epworth will host the 66th annual Agricultural Show on Monday 27th August, organised by Epworth and District Agricultural Society.

And there will also be an opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause at a fund raising night a couple of days before show day.

Taking place on Saturday 25th August, this year’s fund raiser, in a marquee on the show ground field, aims to help local seven-year-old Alexander Strong.

Alexander suffers from a rare cancer called Neuroblastoma, and his parents are looking to raise around £90,000 for treatment abroad.

Alexander, from Epworth, has been fighting the disease since the age of four and Maggie Antcliff, vice chairman of the Epworth Show and fund raising night co-ordinator, is hoping as many people as possible will attend the event to show their support.

“This is our third fund raiser and I can’t think of a better cause to champion than the fight that this little boy has had to endure and continues to endure,” said Maggie.

“The past two events have been very successful in raising a lot of money and I sincerely hope that as many people as possible come and show their support for Alexander.”

“There’s some great entertainment lined up and amazing prizes also up for grabs in the raffle and auction. But most importantly, people can come knowing that whilst they’re enjoying themselves, their attendance could be potentially helping to make a huge difference to Alexander’s life and that of his family.”

Kicking off at 8pm, the fund raising night includes live entertainment from local group Wrooted, a fashion show by Posh Frocks of Epworth, and also an auction and raffle to win prizes including:

A holiday to Turkey

A signed sporting shirt

Two hospitality tickets to a Manchester United game

Two tickets to an Arsenal game

Epworth Show Day then takes place on Epworth Show Field on August bank holiday Monday 27th August.

The show features firm favourites including Titan the Robot, show jumping, dog shows, livestock classes, trade stands, live music, vintage cars, a horticultural tent and the infamous heated beer tent.

“The Olympics might have been and gone but that doesn’t mean that we still can’t continue to fly the flag for country values and heritage,” said Dave Hayes, chairman of Epworth and District Agricultural Society.

“Last year’s Epworth Show saw record numbers in attendance and so much hard work has been put in behind the scenes to make this one even better.”

“I can confidently say that Team ES has definitely been pulling out all the stops for this year’s events, and even the unsettled summer weather we’ve been having won’t stand in our way – we’re going for gold!”

• For more information including ticket prices visit www.epworthshow.org or call Maggie Antcliff on 07977184213.