Cover story: the shows go on

Emerging from lockdown, several key events went ahead throughout July.

Devon County Show returned on July 2nd with a bumper three day event, despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic. Proof that people were eager to get out and about again after being in lockdown was shown with 90% of tickets sold in advance for this year’s show. Thousands flocked to Westpoint to enjoy the first full county show in the UK for nearly two years.

Ethan Smith at Devon County Show with bull Smithy Rolex

Judging for the 2021 livestock entries at the Mid Devon Show getting underway

South Molton Vintage Rally Club held its first post-lockdown run on July 11th, with a tractors diriving a circular route from South Molton out to Bish Mill, Molland, Hawkridge and Tarr Steps (opposite).

As we went to print, the Mid Devon Show took place at Knightshayes on July 24th - under somewhat leaden skies after the heatwave of the previous week.

Vintage tractors preparing to leave South Molton - photo by Karolina Andreasova