In Spring sunshine the pair revealed a huge line-up of entertainment and the vital role Devon’s largest event plays in the life of the county.

“Every event likes to bill itself as having something for everyone, but few have quite such genuine appeal across the board as the Devon County Show,” said Ollie Allen.

“This is surely the only event that can cater for people who are interested in food, farming and having a lot of fun.”

Headline attractions include the Shetland Pony Grand National and motocross stunt team the Bolddog Lings, Grand Parades of Livestock and the Devon Eye, a giant Ferris wheel.

The Show is also an opportunity for farmers to come together to meet the most influential people involved in agriculture today including EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, the President of the NFU Meurig Raymond and CLA President Ross Murray.

Ollie added: “It is a difficult time for farmers and although we can’t change the harsh realities of farming just at present but, like a ray of sunshine breaking through dark clouds, we will help to lift the spirits and maybe make coping with the present difficulties and uncertainties just that little bit easier.”

The food and drink which originates on Devon’s farms has gained international renown for its quality and flavour and is championed by the vibrant local hospitality scene.

Deborah Clark, owner of Southernhay House in Exeter and Burgh Island, said: “Southernhay House is proud to sponsor the Devon County Show; it’s classic, classy and contemporary rolled into one.   Country Life has just put Devon at the top of its best counties to live and work in the UK and we couldn’t agree more.   As a hotel and restaurant, we want to showcase Devon hospitality and produce to the world and our sponsorship of the Devon County Show is the natural, and most pleasurable, place to do this.”

Notable for this year:

• The headline attractions in the Mole Valley Farmers’ Arena are the Shetland Pony Grand National and the freestyle motocross stunt team the Bolddog Lings and of course, the Grand Parades of Livestock on Friday and Saturday.
• The Crafts & Gardens Feature has the largest marquee (size of a football pitch). Love Local (a Devon online gallery and shop) is producing room sets made from SW products.
• One of the new sheep breed classes is for Valais Blacknose. The breed has great public appeal - a photo on the Show’s Facebook page had more than 50,000 hits.
• Take a ride in the ‘Devon Eye’ Ferris Wheel and enjoy the beautiful Devon vista.
• Partnership with Exeter College’s Journalism and Practical Media course to provide a ‘fresh take’ on the Show. This will be achieved by using a social media platform to publish and broadcast material.                                                                                                

Farming, the countryside and food is at the heart of the Devon County Show, which is the great curtain-raiser for the livestock and horse showing season in the South West:

• This is the third year of the Devon Farm Business Awards, run in association with the Addington Fund and Stephens Scown Solicitors. Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on the Showground on the eve of the Show.
• Mole Valley Farmers will once again have a major presence to showcase their goods and services.
• There are more farming-related trade stands than last year, taking more space.
• The cream of the region’s breeding livestock will be on display.
• There will be lots of local food and drink producers:

VIP visitors/celebrities:

• The CLA has issued an invitation to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Liz Truss
• EU Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan – will visit on Thursday
• CLA President Ross Murray - will visit on Thursday
• Meurig Raymond, President of the NFU - will visit on Thursday
• The Hungarian Ambassador is making a return visit on Thursday
• Minette Batters, Deputy President of the NFU - will visit on Friday
• Devon Young Farmers’ will hold their annual debate on Friday
• Sharron Davies will visit on Saturday (visiting Bayer’s stand)
• Jenny Pitman (the first woman to train a Grand National winner) is an equine judge on Saturday

• Show attractions will also include:
  • Magnificent animals of all shapes and sizes
  • Delicious local food and drink
  • Non-stop entertainment
  • Children’s Farm
  • The Wheelie Wild Trail
  • Country Life and Woodland area
  • Top equestrian section
  • Pedigree dog show
  • Sheep shearing
  • A shopaholics’ paradise - over 2 miles in total of avenues full of everything from a beef rib to a river rib!
  • Historic steam engines, vintage vehicles and tractors
  • Metalwork and shoeing forges
  • BBC exhibit with live programmes
  • Armed Forces
  • Test your tractor driving skills at the Tractor Drive or have a go on the 4x4 wheel drive course.

And finally, but very importantly, the Show continues to offer good value for money:

• ·       Two children per adult get free entry on Saturday
• ·       Parking is free