DEVON COUNTY SHOW

It takes more than cute farm animals, agricultural displays and candyfloss to make a successful county show. Behind the scenes, organisers such as Ollie Allen, show secretary for the Devon County Show, are contending with agricultural diseases and high-security VIPs. "Blue tongue and the protection zone were the biggest challenges," says Allen.

This year's show, at Westpoint from 15-17 May, was attended by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. "We worked with Clarence House and the police to ensure Her Royal Highness enjoyed the occasion," adds Allen.

Spectaculars such as Bolddog Lings' motorcycle display team was one element of the event, while regional food, equestrian events, rural skills and hundreds of trade stands vied with a gardening roadshow to win the attention of the 93,000 visitors.

SUPPLIER FILE
Marquees: Danco; Boldscan
Stables and grandstands: Woodhouse Show and Event Hire
PA: NSR Communications
Toilets: Andy Loos; Premier Luxury Loos
Pay booths: Event Hire
Portacabins: Morris Leslie
Car parks: SEP
Pedestrian entrances: Personal Parking
First Aid: MediWest

THREE COUNTIES SHOW

Many showground events have been forced to diversify away from traditional livestock attractions because of issues such as foot and mouth, the dairy depression, bovine tuberculosis and blue tongue. The organiser behind the Three Counties Show, which this year took place from 13-15 June, has been developing the smallholding and hobby farming niche. New features included the alpacas area, while the rural business pavilion was extended to all countryside enterprises, not just farming.

The show, at Malvern Showground, attracts 10,000 visitors, creating ground maintenance challenges. In addition, the showground's main arena hosts the Malvern Spring Gardening Show floral marquee ahead of the Three Counties Show, creating additional logistical problems. "We've reduced build-time of the floral marquee to save the main arena's grass ready for the Three Counties Show," explains show manager Doreen Smillie.

SUPPLIER FILE
Tents: Danco
Toilets: Prestige Toilets
Toilet cleaning: Morris Holdings
Litter collection: Morris Holdings
PA, screens, theatres: ARB Piccadilly
Electrics: ARB Piccadilly
Flooring: TPA