Next generation can enjoy Ardingly Showground events for free

Country shows bursting with competitions, animals and crafts can now be enjoyed by youngsters for free.
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As part of it’s Next Generation Theme for 2015, the South of England Agricultural Society has announced under 16s can enter for free in a bid to tempt young people and families to enjoy the country shows.

New challenges await visitors to the Spring Garden and Leisure Show this year including batting at the indoor cricket nets under the expert guidance of Sussex County Cricket Club, the opportunity to get creative with leading garden sculptors, Mary Cox and her son Jonathan Cox and the new caravan manoeuvring course run by The Caravan Club.

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As well as thousands of plants on sale and the popular garden theatre, other leisure activities include Paws in the Park dog agility, the Best Looking Chicken competition, the Alpaca Show, the Open Dog Show, the ever-popular Sheep Show, fluffy duck trail and a fairground.

A spokesman for the society said: “Crowd-pleasers include Titan the Robot with his unique blend of comedy, street theatre and music and making a welcome return this year is the breath-taking Bolddog Lings freestyle motorcycle display team as featured on Britain’s Got Talent.

“New zones such as the Skills and Craftsmanship area featuring the Young Craftsman of the Year Competition, WI and the Farriers Horse Shoeing Competition as well as the Countryside Learning zone – incorporating wildlife, farming and forestry – will focus strongly on the The Next Generation theme.

“Colleges from across the region will be running exhibits and demonstrations and there will be dozens of opportunities for young people to find out more about careers and opportunities in the farming and food supply industry.”

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There will also be a new machinery display and a micro-sized Shetland Pony Grand National, hound parades and a livestock display where hundreds of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and goats will have their moment of glory.

More than 1,500 horses and ponies will take part in the equestrian showcase – from impressive heavy horse turnouts to spectacular show jumping.

Monty and Winston, Harveys Brewery’s heavy will also pay a visit.

The Spring Garden & Leisure Show take place on May 3 and 4 and The South of England Show takes place on June 11, 12 and 13.

Visit www.seas.org.uk to find out more.