Etal, one of Northumberland’s most beautiful villages is hosting their 80th Flower Show on Sunday 4th September. The long established Etal Flower Show is an event combining the traditional aspects of rural Northumbrian life with a range of entertainment and displays for all of the family.
Bringing together the whole community, Etal Flower Show is one of Northumberland’s oldest and smallest village shows. With entries from expert gardeners and bakers to special classes for children and novices it continues to thrive and flourish and grow from strength to strength.
In marking and celebrating 80 years, the Etal Flower Show is one of the oldest in the county. Its roots coincide with the first transmission by the BBC of the first experimental television play, ‘The Man with the Flower in his Mouth.’ At the start of the Second World War in 1939, the Etal show ceased, along with the likes the BBC who also stopped transmitting, but were re-established at the end of the war in 1945.
Speaking in advance of the show, Committee member Richard Baker said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 80 years of the Etal Show, and we would especially like to say a very special thank you to all of our sponsors who help us make the show the resounding success it is.
“We are especially looking forward to celebrating 80 years of both traditional and modern rural life. We hope everyone will come along to join in with our anniversary celebrations, and help us mark this tremendous milestone.
“For those who have never entered a village show before, Etal Flower Show is an excellent opportunity to start your showing career and to get involved,” said Richard. “Who knows, you might even end up taking home a few prizes!”
Since 1971, the show has taken place on the 1st Sunday in September, and this time old tradition continues. As always the show will take place at the Etal showground, and the organisers are expecting this year’s event to be even bigger and better than ever before, with many visitors coming along to help mark this 80th anniversary milestone.
Featuring more than 170 classes, this year the show will see new classes in floral art, industrial and needlework. Combined with the stalwarts of the show including classes in flowers, vegetables, bakery, children’s and many more, the Etal show offers the perfect opportunity to showcase many creative talents.
The main show ground will host a range of shows and displays, and for the first time ever there will be a falconry display, which will see high, flying, fast stooping Peregrine Falcons, thrilling the crowds, diving only inches above the audience. Together with the stars of the display, the Peregrine Falcons, there will be Eagles, Vultures, Hawks, Kites, Buzzards and Owls, and all of the birds are free flying.
Amongst the many activities and displays at the show, there will be the chance to experience chainsaw carving, take part in an open quoit knockout competition and marvel at the vintage vehicles on display. Visitors will also be able to browse the car boot sale and craft tent.
Included in the photography section is Lord Joicey’s Special Class for the year, this year’s chosen subject is ‘Courage,’ which requires a mounted display of four photographs, with the prize money kindly donated by Lord Joicey.
No Etal Show would be complete without the field attractions, which this year once again includes local favourite, the Coldstream Pipe Band who always bring a festival atmosphere with their energetic performance.
Other attractions will see a rodeo competition and for the dog lovers there is the ever popular companion dog show, which this year has two competition rings and a range of novelty obedience classes. This show always proves popular with both the two legged and four legged entrants, as well as the spectators.
For a full list of classes and rules, please go to www.etalflowershow.org.uk, where competitors can also download their entry form and read a host of hints and tips for success. You’ll also find the recipe for the special Easy Fruitcake class, which is always hugely popular with both children and adults.
The 80th Etal Horticultural Show opens at 12pm on Sunday 4 September. Entry is £3 for adults, and free for children, there is also plenty of fee parking.
For further details about entering the Etal Flower Show visit,www.etalflowershow.org.uk .