Big weekend at Keith Country Show draws near
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KEITH Show is returning this weekend to show off "what our region is best at" and boasting a brand new schedule.
The show, Moray's biggest two day agricultural event, is returning this Saturday and Sunday (August 5-6) for its 149th year.
A new chairman and secretary have taken the reins for the 2023 show which, compared to last year, has seen more competitors enter across all categories – with a "massively increased" number of sheep entries specifically.
Chairman Ewen Stewart said he has enjoyed the "fantastic challenge" of being chairman, and recognised the hard work of the committee in getting the event ready.
"Taking on the chairman’s role here at Keith Show is a fantastic challenge for me," he said.
"This week I can start to see that this year’s event is coming together as planned, and all through the hard work of everyone involved within our committee."
This year's show will see 180 cattle, 490 sheep and 214 horses fight it out within their classes, for the chance at becoming Overall Keith Show Champion.
Along with the judging, visitors to the show can enjoy plenty of entertainment in the main ring, with equestrian stunt team Riders of the Storm thrilling the crowd on both days.
Both days will also feature displays from the Aberdeenshire Sheepdogs, who will display the amazing intelligence of the highly-trained working dogs.
On Sunday Strathisla Pipe Band and Banff Castle Pipe Band afternoon will also take pride of place in the main ring.
More than 55 outdoor tradestands and 45 indoor craft, lifestyle and food fayre exhibitors will spotlight the north east's quality produce, businesses and charities.
Along with the high-calibre livestock competition and stallholders, stalwart sections featuring Industrial, Horticultural, Vintage, Truck Show, Fur and Wool highlights will recognise the community's passion and talent for rural interests.
New for 2023, a children’s entertainment area will also feature family activities, including the famous Artie from the Singing Kettle with his solo show.
Local vet and children’s author Catherine Stables is to perform two readings of her new book Shona the Vet.
Magic Faces Facepainting and a local magician will also be on hand to keep little ones entertained.
The new children's education area will aim to raise awareness of farming in the next generation, with a wide range of activities throughout the day.
And a new on-site bar from local gin distillers Roehill Gin Bar will provide an opportunity for adults to unwind.
Highlighting the range of activities on offer at the Keith show and the shift to a weekend schedule, Mr Stewart said he hoped to draw an "even bigger crowd" this year.
"Our show has so much to offer for everyone during the two days and with it being a weekend event we hope this will draw an even bigger crowd," he said.
"Keith Show showcases what our region is best at with quality livestock, home produce, crafts, vintage and truck displays, local business trade stands and main ring entertainment.
"This year we have really focused on our children’s entertainment & education area as we feel it’s a great opportunity to educate the youth of today in the importance of our agricultural industry."
As a result of moving from a Sunday-Monday schedule to Saturday-Sunday, horse entries have been split across two days, with 92 horses on Saturday and 122 horses on Sunday.
The vintage display will be static on Saturday, with a grand parade on Sunday, while the truck show will be judged and paraded on Sunday.
Sunday will also see the riveting dog show and Highland dancing competitions taking place.
The judges doing the hard work of tapping out the show's top entries this year are:
- Overall Keith Show Champion – Aileen Ingram
- Overall Cattle Champion Judge – Robert McNee
- Overall Sheep Champion Judge – Hazel McNee
- Overall Horse Saturday Judge – Jacqueline Strathdee
- Overall Horse Sunday Judge – Morag Durno
