Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show dodged most of the rain this weekend – and when it didn’t, the marquees more than earned their keep. Between the blue skies, sudden showers and bursts of applause, it was a day that captured everything a country show should be.
Frome is a special kind of show, and there’s a reason it has such a loyal following. It closes the season with just the right mix of tradition, entertainment and chaos – it’s small enough to carry that unmistakable warmth and friendliness of community, yet large enough to deliver a full, satisfying ‘big event’ day out for every visitor.
For families, the huge free play area was a real triumph. If I were still wrangling four small children, this would have been the day’s biggest win. From face painting to live entertainment, axe throwing to mini Land Rover driving, there was so much for children to do – all included within the ticket price.
Then there’s the Cheese Pavilion – table after table, hundreds of entries stretching into the distance for the Global Cheese Awards. It’s a rare glimpse into the usually closed world of cheese judging. But for those more interested in taste than trophies, the surrounding stalls delivered: producers were on hand with samples, advice, and sharp knives at the ready. Trade was brisk as visitors nibbled, nodded and stocked up.
The livestock area may not have been vast, but it was open and welcoming. Once judging was done, visitors were invited to wander freely among the pens, chat with owners, and get close to the animals in a way that felt relaxed, approachable and very special.
Elsewhere, the trade aisles provided the usual agricultural show magic – where else can you pick up new double glazing, alpaca-wool socks and a sunhat in the space of a few steps? A stroll around the Horticulture and Homecraft marquees is another show necessity, taking time to appreciate other people’s dahlias, knitting skills and ability to grow a GIANT carrot.
After a summer of cancelled competitions on concrete-hard ground, the Main Ring – softened by the recent rain – was ideal for show jumping. It started off with the Gate-jumping competition, which built to a thrilling climax: two riders tied clear at the fifth and final round. Opting for a voluntary jump-off despite splitting the winnings, they gave the crowd the spectacle of a single, soaring clear at 1.65m.
In the rings, the Wessex Bloodhounds drew crowds with their pomp and tradition, while Moto-Stunts International had hearts in mouths – from the three-year-old who stole the show to the ‘grandad’ still pulling off daredevil feats, they grabbed everyone’s attention. The stunts were genuinely impressive, the patter was entertaining, and the big fire finale was a real show-stopper.
It was a shame the rain stopped play on the Grand Parade of Livestock this year, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits – and the food stands did remarkably well as wet spells sent everyone diving for a coffee or snack. Frome’s still a traditional one day show: you might come for the cheese and livestock, but you’ll stay for the near-death motorcycle antics and surprisingly fierce sock shopping. Roll on next year.
