A country show’s 40th birthday event this weekend promises to be two days of celebratory family fun.
All eyes will be on Kaspar the singing dog to see if he joins in with Reading Scottish Pipe Band youth section’s performances in the Hurst Show & Country Fayre arena on Sunday.
As we revealed last week, Kaspar sings along to bagpipe practice by band member Poppy Willson, 12, at their Hurst home. Poppy is a pupil at Ranelagh School, Bracknell.
A new, free Discovery Trail round the showground challenges visitors to find fun facts all weekend and has prizes for all.
Show chair Sue Payne said: “We’ve planned a great two-day celebration of the anniversary. The event raises thousands of pounds for local good causes.
“We have thousands of visitors, many kindly tell us they like the event’s non-commercial feel.”
The show will be opened by Arthur Honey, 71, who, with his traction engine, has been a show favourite for 25 years. Others who are part of the show history will help cut the opening ribbon.
Children at St Nicholas Primary, Hurst have written the words for a celebration song which they’ll sing.
Music and rehearsals are by St Nicholas Church organist Tom Lowe, 29, of Twyford.
A show history display will feature old pictures and stories.
Other attractions include a fun dog show, classic vehicles and an art show. On Sunday there’s Antiques Valuation.
There will also be a stall, thought to be unique in the UK, where participants have to guess the make of a crushed car.
Have a go fun includes a dog agility course, giant tugs of war, pony rides, hobby horse jumping (mounts provided), bouncy castle, animals to meet, morris dancing, owls to hold, face painting and terrier and dog racing. Many attractions are free.
Exciting arena events include birds of prey and search and rescue. There will be country craft skills and tractor displays. There are beer and tea tents, a barbecue and food, craft, gift, plant and strawberries and cream stalls.
The show is at School Road, Hurst and open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Entry: adults £4.50, teens and senior £3, under 12s are free. Free car park.
For more details visit: www.HurstShow.uk
