Event allows farmers to 'showcase' their hard work

Thousands of people are expected to make their way to Knockaloe Farm over the next two days for the largest agricultural event on the Isle of Man.

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show, held every year on a Friday and Saturday in early August, opens at 09:30 BST.

The man at the helm of this year's event, show president Lee Cain, said it is a chance for farmers to "showcase what they work hard at".

"Besides the TT, it's the second biggest event on the Isle of Man," he said. "We get over 20,000 visitors over the two days, so it is a great day out."

"A lot of the hard work is done, the tents are all open, show field set up... so we're just about ready to go and the weather's looking good," he said.

He said after a lot of hard work goes on in the months and weeks running up to the event, in order to pull the show together.

"You rely solely on the volunteers… and without them it wouldn't be possible - so a big thank you to all of them."

"There's so many people involved, it's how it all comes together. We've got the committee - but besides that, the volunteers just turn up, year on year."

The show sees food and drink stands, alongside stalls promoting Manx produce and crafts, as well as children's activities and family entertainment.

But the highlight of the two-day event is the culmination of the stock judging in the main ring on Saturday afternoon, in the Grand Parade.

Champions in their class are brought together for the selection of the 'best in show' – with the animal's owner awarded the Deemster Johnson Supreme Championship Award.

The judge for that contest is picked by the show president and is always a closely guarded secret until the parade itself.

As a previous winner of the accolade, with his 'best in show' Limousin heifer, Cain recognises it is "something that everyone's trying to do".

"People have been training these animals and feeding them, and put a lot of time and a lot of effort in planning months and months ahead," he explained.

"Some of the dairy guys, they'll be timing their calving pattern around the show and such like - there's a lot to it."

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show takes place at Knockaloe Farm, in Patrick, on Friday and Saturday between 09:30 and 17:30 each day.

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