DESPITE the country suffering the wettest summer in 100 years, Usk Show is still going ahead on Saturday. Members of the committee and other volunteers are working tirelessly to help dry the ground, including pumping off standing water and using a Water Hog Blotter, like the ones used at cricket grounds.

Temporary roadway has been hired and wood chip and straw is at the ready.

“I’m finding it quite overwhelming to know that so many people are so committed to the success of the show,”

says Usk Farmers’ Club chairman, Ann Bowyer. “We have held several meetings on the site and, even in the pouring rain, the majority decision has always been to go ahead with the show. Some people have said it is madness but the weather forecast looks good for the next week and we want to give people a good show to attend.”

However, some changes to the usual layout of the ground have had to be made due to the exceptional weather and the show jumping classes have had to be abandoned due to health and safety considerations.

All pre-Show Day entry horse classes will be going ahead as will all other section competitions. The decision has been taken to stop the ringside parking for this year to preserve the ground condition and the main ring and countryside ring have had to be amalgamated.

“We advise people to bring their wellies and to please use our excellent free park and ride services from Usk College and Woodside Car Park, next door to Usk Rugby Club, if they can. We also always offer free shuttle buses from Twyn Square and the Memorial Hall in the town and we ask people to use these services.”

The tradition of Usk Show being held goes back over 160 years and is one of the biggest one-day shows in Wales.

Always a popular event for the lfarming community with show day competitions for cattle, sheep and pigs, it provides an excellent day out for people from all walks of life. As well as the large animals and horses, they also host rabbit, poultry and goat shows and a Companion Dog Show with entries on the day and the proceeds tgoing to the Alzheimer’s Society.

“Our trade space has been fully booked for weeks and we have over 200 traders with outdoor trade stands plus dedicated marquees for our Food Hall, Craft Marquee and Shopping Mall,” says secretary, Fiona Jenkins.” We can’t promise you won’t get muddy, but we can promise you a good fun show.”

For the latest information please go to the website uskshow.co.uk