The gates open for the 2023 Turriff Show on Sunday 30 to Monday 31 July 2023. The event has become renowned throughout the UK as a vibrant show that celebrates the best of the region’s farming, food and heritage. The Show’s principal sponsor, once again, is family-owned local business, Bridgend Aggregates.
The Show is Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural show. In 2022, over 24,000 visitors attended to experience a variety of activities, 300+ exhibitor stands and the livestock and equestrian classes. This year’s highlights for this year include an exhilarating stunt display of motorbikes and quad bikes from Stuntworld International, a Dinosaur Invasion – a 13-foot walking, roaring prehistoric beast and the return of the hugely popular EQ Food and Drink Pavilion, serving tasters of the best local food and drink.
The Show hosts over 1,500 exhibitor classes, including cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, rabbits, cavies, dogs and pigeons, plus industrial and craft classes for skills including baking, vegetable growing and flower arranging; Turriff Show’s total prize money exceeds a staggering £88,000 and 330 trophies are awarded.
“Scotland’s biggest two-day agricultural show is a much-loved calendar date, the length and breadth of Scotland,” says Turriff Show’s 2023 President, Kevin Gray who farms at Tillyfar. “Fitting with the importance of Scotch beef and lamb in the region, the show will host – very fittingly for Aberdeenshire – the iconic Aberdeen Angus Show as well as the National Ryeland Show – an easy-to-manage sheep breed popular for smallholders.
“Last year, the whole show ground was buzzing with folk. What a joy It was to see everyone getting out and about again, smiling and catching up with friends. Turriff Show is an event of community spirit. Everyone from spectators to local businesses, exhibitors, stand holders and members on the committee are all brought together to make it happen.
“It is not until you are President that you realise the scale of the visitors that come to the show. This year, we look forward to seeing just as many people, from near and far, coming to enjoy all that Turriff show has to offer. We hope for good weather and something for every person to enjoy at the show.
“The EQ Food & Drink Pavilion is a big draw, many of the exhibitors sell their own home-produced foods and drinks, including meat, dairy, preserves, honey and local drink – beer, gin and whisky. This opportunity to showcase local producers really demonstrates the diversity of food and drink produced in the north east of Scotland, and its quality, and it, for our local visitors, it shows that you don’t have to travel far to try something new.”
Gail Greig, Turriff Show’s new Secretary, added:
“Turriff Show is a fantastic family day out and one of the key dates in the north east farming calendar. Where else can you get up close to livestock, taste the best Scottish food and drink, experience the thrill and entertainment of the Main Ring, and see a large display of the latest tractors and machinery!?”
Early bird e-tickets for the event are now available via the Turriff Show website and TDAA is advising visitors to plan ahead and purchase their tickets early.
Mr Gray concluded, “We want all visitors to be able to attend whether it be for one day or two, so our advice is to purchase your e-tickets to save money and ease showground entry on the day.”