Youth and opportunity the theme for Devon County Show

Youth and opportunity in the Devon countryside, a spectacular line-up of top entertainment, and a celebration of 25 years at Westpoint showground will make the 119th Devon County Show on May 22-24 the county’s biggest day out of the year.

That’s the message at this year’s launch event held on Thursday (April 24) at the Southernhay House Hotel in Exeter when local journalists and editors received an update on how preparations were going and full details of the three days were unveiled.

Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “It’s great that we are able to celebrate 25 years at Westpoint, but it wouldn’t have happened but for the foresight and courage of the leaders of the DCAA and the Devon County Show in being prepared to look forward and invest in the future, even at a time when that future looked distinctly uncertain.

“So that’s why this year, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are also looking to the future, by taking the theme “Youth and Opportunity” for the Show, and particularly for its agricultural dimension.

“Youth - for the increasing numbers of young people who are making agriculture and related rural business their career choice, and who we’re making a special effort to attract to this year’s Show.

“Opportunity - because that’s what farming and allied career opportunities offer to young people, and because many people believe that this really is an era of opportunity for farming to grow and to prosper, as food security moves ever closer to the top of our list of national priorities and as more and more people come to appreciate the value of local food and a thriving local economy.”

Headline entertainment will be provided by the Kangaroo Kids, an Australian quad bike aerobatic father and son. New this year is the World Fruit & Veg Bowls Championships, based on English Lawn Bowls but using seasonal fruit and vegetables instead of the usual plastic balls.

The match of Southernhay House, as the lunch sponsor, brings together the two sectors that make Devon such a distinctive and successful place to live and work.

Devon’s produce is well known and appreciated internationally, while the hospitality sector is now one of the most respected areas of growth in the county.

Deborah Clark, owner of Southernhay House in Exeter and iconic Burgh Island, said: “Every year we actively seek young candidates for work experience. Half of them will fall by the wayside. However, the half of them with brains, enthusiasm and a bit of talent are well worth the investment.

“Watching and encouraging career development, spotting their areas of strength, reinforcing basic talent with training and opening their eyes to possibilities: these are some of the best moments any boss could ask for. Younger workers crave stimulation and a changing environment; the hospitality business has all of that and more as no two days are the same. It’s a great way of persuading our youth to build their home and career here in Devon."

Tickets are cheaper when bought in advance:

• Overs 60s can purchase a ticket for two for £25 to visit the Show on Thursday or Friday.

• Up to three children go free on Saturday (when accompanied by an adult).