Cattistock Countryside Show returns for 60th year

The Cattistock Countryside Show takes place on Sunday, July 24 and this year celebrates its 60th consecutive show running – having managed to keep punters safely entertained throughout the pandemic.

Stringing its first bunting and erecting its first tent back in 1962 by a group of west Dorset farmers and community activists, it was set up to pay homage to the weird and often backward pleasures of country life.

The show stays true to this today - hosting rural activities ranging from the kitsch to the outright ridiculous.

Gates open at 8.30am and visitors can expect staples like Punch and Judy, a traditional West Country skittle alley, tractor rallys, fire breathing circus performers and sheep shearing races to displays of dancing children in fancy dress on horseback.

Each year the show hosts its own pony show, dog show and flower and produce show. With classes for the more serious attendees as well as the more well humoured – ‘dog most like its owner’ and ‘spud most like its grower’.

In the past delicious local donations have been made by local producers – organic teas, milkshakes and cakes from Hollis Mead and a local vodka raffle from Black Cow. Every year international retailer Boden clothing sponsor a mad cap assault course with must-win prizes.

Organisers work hard to stay true to the show's roots of a non-commercial, family fun day out by ensuring affordable prices, free tickets for children and yearly contributions to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

They say: "At 60 this Dorset treasure promises to be more charming and more bonkers than ever before."

The online ticket price is £10 a person and the show day ticket price is £15 a person. Under 12s go free with no ticket required.

Tickets are on sale at www.cattistockshow.co.uk