Thousands of Bank Holiday visitors expected as Aylsham Show returns to Blickling Park
Aylsham Show 2016. Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
A bumper Bank Holiday crowd is expected as one of Norfolk's biggest traditional rural showcases returns to Blickling Park today.
Aylsham Show 2016. The sack race. Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
The Aylsham Show promises a packed programme of entertainment, food displays and agricultural livestock competitions, with organisers hoping for a turnout to rival last year's estimated crowd of 17,000.
This year's Main Ring line-up will feature spectacular stunts, animal displays and plenty of activities for the younger visitor.
The UK's leading quad bike stunt riders Adrenaline Tour will fly more than 30ft in the air as they go from ramp to ramp, while performing amazing aerial tricks.
They will perform mid-air catches and street-style stunts alongside an informative and humorous commentary by ex-world champion motocross rider, Jason Smyth, using an in-helmet microphone as he performs stunts. The group also has a display unit where the public are encouraged to look at the machines, chat with the team or sit on one of the quad bikes.
Aylsham Show 2016. The fancy dress competition. Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
The Red Devils parachute display is back, made up entirely of serving soldiers from the Parachute Regiment.
They have more than 35 years of experience creating spectacular displays and have appeared on television many times. They will perform a whole range of stunts and canopy formations before gliding into the arena with pinpoint accuracy.
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Elaine Hill will be bringing her sheepdogs to both entertain and educate all ages.
Children are invited into the arena to take part and a typical display includes geese being shepherded around a sheepdog trial course, ducks driven around an obstacle course and a parade of ducklings for the finale.
Aylsham Show 2016. Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
The main ring will also feature driving classes, the heavy horse teams and the North Norfolk Harriers.
Children will be asked to take part in the sack race, fancy dress and tug of war.
This year's show president, John Wootton, said: 'The line up is very impressive, as it always is.
'I'm very much looking forward to the Red Devils parachutists, last year they put on an enormously spectacular display and at incredible speed.'
Red Devils Parachute team. Credit Just Regional. - Credit: Archant
READ MORE: Aylsham president prepares to put on a showMeanwhile, the show's food hall is promising to be bigger and better than ever, featuring many of Norfolk's best producers.
There are more than 30 suppliers involved, and all have won awards – both locally and internationally.
There's a chance to snap up a bottle of Bacchus wine, from Winbirri Vineyards, in Surlingham, which scooped a platinum award at the Decanter World Wine Awards – the first time an English still wine has won one of DWWA's highest honours.
The Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour, pictured at the Sandringham Flower Show in 2008. PHOTO; Matthew Usher. - Credit: Matthew Usher
There are also sausages from White House Farm, in Sprowston, which were voted best banger by the public at the Battle of the Bangers in Norwich earlier this summer.
Other goodies available to take away include Candi's Chutney, Yare Valley Oils, Season's Bounty's jam and marmalade – which have won bronze, silver and gold medals at the World Original Marmalade Awards – Crush Oils and honey from Leigh's Bees.
There will also be Norfolk Raider Cider, which is made from apples from White House Farm.
Charlotte Gurney, head of the food hall, said: 'We have the biggest tent we have ever had and there's lots to try and buy.
'All the producers have very strong connections to Norfolk, bringing the best of Norfolk produce to visitors.'
WHAT'S ON IN THE MAIN RING
10am
• Private and Trade Driving Classes 101-104
11am
• Heavy Horses Display
11.45am
• Arrival of the President, John Wootten, into the Main Ring
1.50am
• Childrens' Fancy Dress Competition
12.15pm
• Red Devils Parachute Regiment Freefall Display Team
12.45pm
• Elaine Hill Sheepdogs
1.15pm
• Jason Smyth Quad Bike Stunt Show
1.45pm
• Black Sheep Childrens' Sack Race
2.30pm
• Elaine Hill Sheepdogs
3pm
• Grand Parade and Presentation of Cups and Trophies
3.45pm
• Jason Smyth Quad Bike Stunt Show
4.15pm
• Parade of the North Norfolk Harriers
4.45pm
• Parade by Starting Handle Club
5.15pm
• Childrens' Tug of War – all children are invited to take part
5.35pm
• Hot Air Balloon Flight
TICKET DETAILS
Tickets may be purchased at a cost of £15 each on show day (cash only) at the Ticket Office by the Main Entrance Gate.
ATM machines with cash withdrawal facilities are available very near to the Show Office Caravan.
Accompanied children aged 16 and under are free and car parking is free.
