THERE’S A BUZZ IN THE AIR AT ARDINGLY - 02/05/2010

The South of England Agricultural Society reported increased visitor numbers across its three main shows last year: Spring Garden & Leisure Show in May, South of England Show in June and Autumn Show & Game Fair in October.

The Society is cautiously optimistic that this performance will be repeated in 2010 and if early indications are anything to go by they won’t be disappointed. For the flagship South of England Show (10, 11 & 12 June) confirmed trade stand applications to date are up by 50% for the same period last year. 30 new exhibitors are already confirmed and for the first time ever, the Food Hall is already now completely full.

For 43 years the South of England Agricultural Society has been celebrating the rural way of life. 2010 promises another blockbuster year, as it throws the spotlight on the best in British agriculture, equestrianism, horticulture, food & drink, country crafts, sports and entertainment.

The Society has announced the theme for the South of England Show 2010 – “The Year of the Bee”. In recognition of the plight of the humble bee, the Society has decided to adopt the species as the focus for this year’s Show. In previous years, cows, pigs and race horses have been highlighted, but the Society has chosen one of the smallest creatures to showcase at the first major event of the new decade.

This year the EcoVillage will make its debut at the Show. A brand new attraction, it will comprise over 100 exhibitors and a picnic area, sponsored by Riverford Organics, located adjacent to the Foodcourt on Central Avenue. The EcoVillage is designed to showcase exhibitors that offer ethical and sustainable products and services such as renewable energy, green transport and sustainable living.

It reflects the Society’s commitment to green issues which includes the placement of Recycle Zone bins for the event, environmentally-friendly toilets, designed to reduce water consumption and make use of rainwater harvesting and its Green Agenda Working Party that is keen to ensure sustainability is at the heart of future developments.

There is certainly a hive of activity at the showground this year and the message to all is 'don’t put off until tomorrow what you could do today' – trade stand space is still available. Advance reduced-rate tickets can be purchased nearer the date of the Show.