Published on 23rd May, 2018
New for 2018 is the Farmers’ Big Ball Challenge, taking place daily in the Main Ring. This will see a group of skilful young farmers take on a series of entertaining agility challenges that involve manoeuvring 20 big blue balls using their tractor driving prowess. In addition, show jumping, inter-hunt relays and private driving will all return to the Main Ring, along with the popular Grand Parades of prizewinning livestock.
Tractor Ted will be coming along to the Royal Bath & West Show again this year, which is sure to be a big hit with little visitors. The Tractor Ted Farm Fun Zone will include a giant tractor bouncy castle, welly wanging, the Digger Den and the Tractor Ted Driving School.
Interactive exhibits and demonstrations can be found in the Farming for the Family section, from milk tasting masterclasses and children’s cookery to butter making demonstrations and talks about hens. A range of farm animals including goats, pigs and poultry will be available for children to meet within the Farming for the Family marquee.
The judging of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and more can be viewed throughout the show, with over 10,000 competitive entries in total. There are also plenty of opportunities to see and meet the animals, including some less common breeds such as Hackney horses, a native breed that is under threat, and the Otterhound, one of the most endangered British dog breeds.
The inspiring Imagineering Fair will be packed once again with fun engineering and technology activities specially developed for children. Simulators, mechanical challenges and hands-on electronics are just a few of the things available to engage and entertain youngsters of all ages and abilities. In addition this year there will be a specially customised HGV trailer from the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Sheffield, which has been designed to give aspiring young engineers a chance to interact with real cutting-edge technologies.
A dedicated Sports Area will give families an opportunity to try a variety of activities including mini tennis, six-a-side football and a range of speed and agility challenges. The University of Bath’s ‘Team Bath’ will organise daily netball challenges and Somerset County Cricket Club will host batting and bowling sessions on the Thursday to encourage visitors to try their hand at cricket.
Along with Extreme Bike Battles, live folk and rock music, the British Cheese Awards, the British Cider Championships and much more, the Royal Bath & West Show provides an entertaining day out for all the family and a fascinating insight into British farming and rural lifestyle.
Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of the Royal Bath & West of England Society, which organises the Show, said, “The ‘Bath & West’ is all about entertainment. With 50 hours of entertainment across the Showground every day we know there is something here for everyone. Everyone likes to see the wonderful farm animals and horses, everyone likes to taste great food, and everyone wants to be entertained by an array of attractions, from tractors, axemen, ponies and their riders careering around the ring, to great live music under the big top, or a more sedate brand of music to be found around the bandstand. This year is no exception, so I look forward to thousands of happy, jolly faces having fun at the ‘Bath & West’ this year.”
A new app has been launched by the Royal Bath & West Show this year to help visitors take full advantage of their time at the event. Complete with detailed timetables, ticket information, maps, exhibitor lists and more, the app is designed to help people find the activities and attractions that are most of interest to them at this huge event – the biggest taking place in Somerset this year.