KENT NEWS: Organisers of the Kent County Show say they are putting the focus back on farming after criticism of recent events.
Total attendance for last year’s three-day programme was about 80,000, but it is hoped that figure can be boosted by at least 10,000 by reaching out to the agricultural community.
A new website with links to social networking sites such as Facebook and YouTube also aims to attract a younger crowd to the show.
Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS) chairman George Jessel said his team had taken on board comments from attendees, exhibitors, farmers and staff.
He said: “In the past there has been the odd criticism about us being too focused on aspects like selling cars and not enough on agriculture, but that’s going to change.
“This year there will be lots of exciting new stands and rings, and the show will definitely be more agriculturally and horticulturally-based.
“It’s not going to be the old, mundane, run-of-the-mill show that perhaps we’ve been putting on in recent years. We’re going to attack 2010 with real vigour and attract people back.”
First held in 1923, the Kent County Show is an annual event celebrating the rural life of the county. For the last 45 years it has been held at the County Showground at Detling, near Maidstone.
Typical attractions include birds of prey displays, agricultural demonstrations, livestock competitions and a young farmers area.
KCAS general manager David Goff said this year there will also be a focus on healthy eating and local produce, and about 20 outside ambassadors will help spread word of the show.
A promotional event will also be held in Maidstone town centre and 250 Arriva buses will carry posters on a ‘Let the Show Begin’ theme. A deal has also been struck with P&O Ferries.
Mr Goff added: “The emphasis is on re-engaging not only with the farming community but also the public. We’ve seen the loss of four or five agricultural shows around the country in the last year and we’re not going to go the same way.
“We want to be around for at least the next 30 to 40 years and are looking forward to a very positive and successful future.”
KCAS employed the services of Cortexx Creative to design the new website for this year’s show, which among other features includes a blog and live countdown to the big event.
Mr Jessel said he hoped that by advertising on social networking websites, younger people would be attracted to the agriculture.
He said: “We want to put over that farming is not just for the old grey-haired brigade. It’s vital that we take the lead and show that agriculture is for young people and there’s a good career for them.
“There’s a career structure and we are as modern as the IT world is. We’re not living in the past.”
The Kent County Show takes place over three days from Friday to Sunday, July 16-18.
Pre-booked tickets cost £15 for adults, £5 for children and £11 for pensioners. A family ticket for £43 can be purchased on the gate only. Visit www.kentshowground.co.uk for more information.
POSTED: 05/02/2010 14:45:00
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