Early birds can get their show tickets

TICKETS are now on sale for the historic Derbyshire County Show at Elvaston Showground, and organisers have introduced an early bird offer to entice people to book in advance

The annual event will take place on June 25 featuring a mixture of prize-winning livestock, local food producers, rural crafts and fun for all the family

It follows a highly successful event last year, when thousands of people took advantage of the summer weather to attend the show, which was being held for the first time in two years because of Covid

This year ’s event, which is the 141st show, will offer a blend of new and much-loved attractions, including Shetland Pony racing, a gundog display, a companion dog show and a parade of vintage tractors

Alongside domestic pets, visitors to the show can also expect all the traditional elements that have become the norm, including livestock, agriculture and countryside living

Edward Hicklin, chairman of Derbyshire Agricultural and Horticultural Society, which organises the show, said: “The county show has a very grand history stretching back to 1860 and we have a proud reputation to uphold, staging an event which has something for every member of the family and celebrates all that is good about the countryside on the city’s doorstep

“When a show is staged almost every year for more than 140 years it has to evolve and we are embracing technology with a new website and online ticketing, as well as new attractions such as the Trampoline Wall Stunt Show ”

The Derbyshire County Show began life as the Derbyshire Agricultural Show in 1860, when it was established by a group of

COMEDY is back at Melbourne Sporting Partnership, on Friday, March 31, for another night of fun and laughter

Topping the bill at the Festival Funhouse Comedy Club is winner of Best Act in the Midlands Comedy Awards 2016, the exciting and energetic Duncan Oakley He “powers out a clever blend of stupidity mixed with impressive musicianship that yields hilarious results His easy confidence and

Whistlewood Common 10am - 12 noon. Learn the “clippy” method of this old craft. £25 for 18+ and £15 for 8+. www.shop.whistlewoodcommon.org

Saturday 25 March:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Roman Catholic Church, St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Melbourne.

Hot Cross Buns, Cakes, Craft Stall selling wool-fabric-jewellery items and lots of card making items, Easter Cards

Saturday 1 April:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Methodist ChurchWesley Hall, Potter Street, Melbourne.

Saturday 8 April:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Baptist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Street, Melbourne.

Sunday 14 April:

with Sarah of Little Trees. Whistlewood Common. 10.30am - 12 noon. £10 for five to 13s, and £3 for siblings and under fives. www.shop.whistlewoodcommon.org

Wednesday 19 April - Saturday 22 April: Melbourne Operatic Society proudly presents The Sorcerer landowners and farmers led by Dr John Hitchman

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, 7.30pm See ad on page 9.

The emphasis has changed over the years from showcasing predominantly agricultural activities and equipment to organising a more all-round day-out for everyone

Children are admitted free of charge and as well as fairground rides and ice cream there are plenty of opportunities to learn about animals and the countryside

Tickets purchased in advance cost £10 for adults, while entrance for accompanied under 16s is free of charge Tickets are available online by visiting www derbyshirecountyshow org uk

Car parking at the event will be free good natured banter leaves the crowd wanting more”

Opening the night will be the 2014 English Comedian of the Year winner, Jack Campbell His distorted logic and amusing anecdotes are both unique and appealing Also appearing is cheeky banter merchant Lovdev Barpaga whose deadpan oneliners are delivered with confidence and warmth

Compere for the night will be the appealing Carl Jones, who has a natural ability of telling humorous stories, which draw the entire audience in As ever the night will be made by the friendly banter with the audience which can occasionally stretch from the bizarre to the surreal!

All proceeds from the night go to support Melbourne Festival