Heckington Show has something for all the family

This year's Heckington Show marks the 152nd anniversary of the event next weekend (July 27 and 28).

This splendid weekend is put together entirely by a team of volunteers who bring expertise, enthusiasm and passion to their parts of the show but who also accept responsibility and put in the long hours to ensure visitors have a great experience and want to come back next year.

The Grand Firework Concert on Saturday evening will feature the usual proms-style firework finale but also introduce the band 'Gladness' who will energise the crowds with Madness’s back song catalogue as the sun goes down.

Entry is included with the Saturday show ticket but it’s also possible to go along for just the concert.

Saturday also brings a feast of sport with children’s races, athletics including the spectacle of the 10-mile road race and track cycling.

Heckington is celebrating 150 years of cycling at the show this year – almost certainly the oldest cycle race in the world. Watch out for penny farthing racing as well as a national championship competition on a track that has seen Olympic stars such as Laura Kenny and Victoria Pendleton compete for glory.

This Olympian theme continues through Show Sunday with national standard show jumping which includes the prestigious Area Trial.

These fill the ring between some great headline attractions. New for 2019 is Horse Boarding which (a bit scarily) looks to combine the X Games with the Epsom Derby on Saturday, along with the Silver Stars parachute display team – skydivers are always a favourite but keep an eye on times as when they are down, they are down.

Sunday sees the return of the Big Wheelie Fire Engine promising, as ever, noise and some real engagement with the younger visitors.

Heckington Show would not be complete without big traditional show contributions. livestock classes bring scores of sheep and cattle, donkeys and heavy (Shire) horses with a layout giving visitors a chance to get close, have a chat with the owners and see what it takes to prepare a show champion.

The largest marquee at the village end of the grounds still hosts a horticultural show with prizes for entry categories ranging from perfect produce, to bake-off standard cakes, to art both floral and painted in format.

Every part is a show in itself yet you’re sure to find so much more around the grounds – food and drink, living history displays, all-day music, a dog show, fairground rides, antiques, rural crafts, activities and trade stands. You can buy everything from a garden sculpture and fashion clothing to a new car or garden shed.

The show has a very comprehensive website (www.heckingtonshow.org.uk) where you can get a full picture and buy tickets for either/both days.