Northumberland County Show is well known as a great family day out, but this year there is a huge new range of main arena acts and entertainment designed to suit all interests.
Organiser Kerry Robson explains, “The Show fundamentally is a traditional agricultural event, and the heart of what we do. Our aim is to enable everyone to learn about, and celebrate, the excellent farming practices and livestock husbandry in our county and bring the rural and urban communities together. We want everyone to have the best possible experience of the Show, and to encourage new visitors, we also offer a wide range of attractions, displays and entertainment throughout the day so the whole family have fun.”
The Main Arena Act is Jonathon Marshall’s Free Spirit Show. Jonathon is a professional falconer and horse trainer, and the act involves him riding his magnificent black stallion, Amadeus while simultaneously flying falcons in a carefully choreographed performance. The spectacle includes dramatic music and the falcon flying right through the horse’s legs at over 100mph.
Jonathon Marshall riding Amadeus in the Free Spirits Show, Main Arena Act at Northumberland County Show in May 2024
entertainment throughout the day
The ’Knights of Chivalry’ take the show back in time to the 13th century, with armed combat tournaments between rival knights, stunning stunts, and historically accurate costumes. Great entertainment for all the family.
Last year’s first ‘Game Fair’ proved very popular with visitors who enjoyed giving their dogs a turn in the gun dog scurry, watching the birds of prey demonstration, while enjoying delicious game themed catering and browsing the range of country clothing and footwear trade stands.
The Alpaca Section organisers are always asked, “Are these animals llamas?” answered by a long description of how a llama differs from an alpaca. By popular demand, a new display pen of llamas in this section will be a fun and educational draw for visitors, who can get up close to these gentle creatures and learn all about them.
all ages
There are lots of activities for children of all ages; Newcastle Circus Arts are offering fun free workshops all day, with juggling, plate spinning, hula hoops and low wire skills to try. Fans of Jurassic Park’s Blue the velociraptor will be thrilled with the dinosaur shows by Jurassic Ark Encounters. Five baby dinosaurs will wander around the showfield, meeting the children and welcoming photos with visitors.
The Taste of the North food marquee offers delicious treats for foodies to take home or picnic on. Catering stalls offer artisan food producers, street food from around the world, and show classics like hog roasts, ice cream and burgers will keep the family from going hungry. Over three hundred trade stands can keep shopaholics busy; everything from exquisite homeware and fashion, cupcakes and candles to combine harvesters and tractors, all in one place.
live music
For music lovers, the ‘Band Wagon’ has a great line up of acts, including the amazing community Rock Choir and their fifty strong troupe of local singers. Studio K, the Hexham based dance studio are returning to the stage with eighty of their students aged 5 to 18, performing a show case of styles, including Hip Hop, Tap, Latin American and Cheerleading. Later in the evening at the after-show party, Ellie Caile, renowned solo singer, will be performing in the Members’ Marquee. Ellie’s rich, soulful voice will keep everyone dancing with a repertoire of modern favourites and universally loved classics. For a party tickets, contact Kerry Robson.
The Show takes place on Saturday 25th May 2024, at Bywell near Stocksfield. Tickets are on sale now on www.northcountyshow.co.uk or call the Show Office on 01434 604216 for more information.
