The Axe Vale Show, now in its 24th year, will be bringing an exciting range of attractions to Axminster at the end of June.
A family-friendly show, now in its 24th year, helps to raise funds to support local worthy causes within the community.
Over the years it has raised nearly half a million pounds and supported many causes including the Flamingo Pool, in Axminster.
A registered charity, it is organised and staffed entirely by volunteers, led by chairman Simon Hodges, who has expressed his thanks to all for the hard work and dedication that has gone on over the last year – getting the show up and running is a mammoth task, with the hope being that all the effort is rewarded with sunny skies and lots of visitors.
Among the marquees and tents at the show there will be crafts that require great skill and ingenuity, antiques and collectables, as well as a number of exhibits of toys and collectables that will remind you of yesteryear.
Craftsmen will be demonstrating their traditional skills and, of course, there is plenty of local delicious fare in the magnificent food marquee to tempt your taste buds.
The floral marquee will be full of colour and scents to feed your creative side and if you feel inspired by what you see, there are many stalls selling plants for you to buy, take home and nurture with your newly found enthusiasm.
The show will also be home to many stalls selling everything from dog treats to bathroom tiles, so you may want to reserve plenty of time to browse and indulge in a little retail therapy!
The entertainments manager, Kieran Marshall, is excited to reveal plans for the 2018 entertainment programme. For the first time there will be two dedicated arenas with acts from throughout the UK that are guaranteed to entertain you.
One of the ‘big’ attractions at this year’s event will be strongman, Adrian Smith.
A former competitor in the World’s Strongest Man competition, in which he came fifth, he started his strength career in bodybuilding before switching over to Strongman.
A show spokesman said: “Adrian is a genuinely nice guy and audiences young and old take him to their hearts at shows and galas all over the country.”
The Axe Vale Show will also will be welcoming the Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Spectacular, which blends amazing fire stunts with great entertainment. It has been described as a totally unique show with lots of comedy and banter along with amazing fire stunts, which are all Joseph’s own creation and, with the addition of some great music adds up to a great show.
The stunts include flamethrowers shooting huge balls of fire into the air, riding a burning unicycle, escapology in a burning box and a lap of the arena riding a burning gyroscope atop a mutant vehicle.
The Blackrock Llamas will tackle an agility course and will race against each other and there will be a chance to meet them and make some new friends.
Music, is also a key element in the event, with a range of individuals and bands lined up to entertain the crowds throughout both days.
Included in this year’s line-up are Something Old Something New, Vicky Pearce, The Pickwicks and Adam Sweet plus other artistes.
For dog lovers, there is a fun-filled dog show on Saturday, which will be judged by Sharon Foxhall, who is a well-known Kennel Club-assured breeder of Great Danes, as well as running puppy and dog training classes at All Saints Village Hall.
Registration for the dog show will take place from 11am, with judging starting at 1.30pm. Entry to each class costs only £1 and all the proceeds go to the Axe Vale Show supported good causes. The dog that wins this class will be awarded the Best in Show Cup, generously donated by Ferne Animal Sanctuary.
The dog show classes will be:
1 Best Puppy (under 12 months of age)
2 Best Condition Dog
3 Best Condition Bitch
4 Best Junior Handler (aged 16 or under)
5 Dog/Bitch with the Waggiest Tail
6 Best Veteran (7 years or older)
7 Dog/Bitch that the Judge would like to take home
8 Best Fancy Dress
9 Dog that looks most like its owner
10 Winner of each of the above classes automatically enter ‘Best in Show’
On the Sunday, there will be a sheep-shearing demonstration. Local expert Ash Selway will demonstrate his skills from his trailer, allowing you to get up really close and see how it is done.
Children will also be well looked after, with lots of activities for them to do, there are bouncy castles, face painting, Punch and Judy (Saturday) and much more.
The show is very much focused on family entertainment and offers a great day out to enjoy the countryside and rural life.
So with everyone happy, you can rest and enjoy live music, while you soak in the atmosphere of this great annual show.
It takes place on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24 at The Showground, Trafalgar Way, Axminster, EX13 5RJ. Gates open at 10am and close at 6pm on the Saturday and 5.30pm on Sunday.
Useful information
Via www.axevaleshow.com At the gate
Adults £8.50 £10
Children (five-16) £2 £3
Under fives Free Free
Parking at the showground is plentiful and free – just follow the signposts and the stewards will find a space for you.
There is also a local free bus service around Axminster for full details, visit www.axevaleshow.com
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