'˜Bring sun cream' warning from Driffield Show

Driffield Showground has been transformed for the return of Driffield Show for its 141st year, where some of finest livestock from across the county will compete for the prized rosettes in their respective classes, and with more fine weather forecast, a big turnout is anticipated.

David Tite, chief executive of Driffield Agricultural Society, which organises the show, said: “Bring a hat, sun lotion and drink plenty of water. We have standpipes around the site and our catering outlets will be selling a variety of cold drinks.”

One new addition to this year’s show is likely to attract plenty of attention, and its very presence is something of a coup.

At over 13 metres long and weighing 7.5 tonnes, the Bloodhound SSC, a supersonic car, is intended to be driven at more than 1,000mph - faster than the speed of sound - when it is completed in time for a land speed record attempt next year.

The show car will be displayed at the showground, accompanied by entrepreneur, Richard Noble, from the Bloodhound project team who will be on-hand to answer visitors’ questions.

Mr Tite said around £14,000 had been raised to bring the car to the show.

“We have been really lucky to bring the Bloodhound here thanks to the generous sponsorship of local company Catfoss Finance,” Mr Tite said.

“Part of our remit as a Society is educational and another part of our remit is promoting allied industries. Without people in engineering we are not going to have people being inspired to design and look after combines and tractors.”

Mr Tite insisted that agriculture remains at the heart of the show and that livestock entries were “looking good”.

“The challenge will be the temperature. I don’t think we will have record-breaking numbers in the livestock classes but it will be a really good turnout.

“We have a really good pig section this year, boosted by the Gloucestershire Old Spots national competition which is taking place at the show for the first time.”

The society chief said changes had been made to improve traffic management and access to the showground, and he hopes everyone who attends has a great time.

“It’s a real opportunity for people to catch up with friends they have not seen since last year’s show, which does happen a lot - it’s nice to have that social focus for the community here - and for people to understand where their food comes from.

“It’s a really good chance to have a good day out - we have something for everyone.”