The organisers of Newport Show have revealed plans for a new Education Hub at this year’s show as part of its drive to encourage people to learn more about the rural environment.
The Education Hub will replace the previous schools marquee and has been extended to offer even more agricultural related activities for young people and their families at the show at Chetwynd Deer Park on July 14.
Representatives from Harper Adams University will host an interactive area offering the chance to taste, view and handle live insects. Visitors will be able to take up the edible bug challenge, inspect insects under the microscope, experience handling some live bugs and learn more about opportunities for careers in the dairy industry.
There will be chance to ‘operate’ on a teddy with Haygate Vets and handle chicks and ducks, complete farm to food jigsaw puzzles and to try your hand at basket weaving.
The Education Hub will also host the live weigh in of the Great Potato Challenge that local schools have been participating in to grow the biggest crop, results of the schools photography competition and exhibitions from 13 schools in Newport and the surrounding area.
Show President Tony Asson said: “As a show with its roots in agriculture, promoting the journey from farm to fork and the links between agriculture and the environment are key aims of ours.
“The expanded Education Hub will give us the opportunity to promote those messages to a new audience and a new generation in fun and interactive ways.”
Star attractions at this year’s show include two live displays by the JCB Dancing Diggers, more than 140 livestock, sheep and equine classes, live music, an open dog show featuring Crufts qualifying classes, family entertainment, antique and country living marquee, vintage vehicle and machinery displays, trade stands, handicraft and horticulture competitions, and a fairground.
The celebrity chef at the show’s Festival of Food will be Great British Bake Off runner up Steven Carter-Bailey, who will perform two demonstrations in the food theatre.
Samantha Evans and Shauna Guinn will also share their recipe for barbecue success and there will be a Street Food market, Little Foodies marquee to inspire children to try their hand at cooking, and adult masterclasses.
Advance tickets and membership packages offering discounts on the gate price can be booked at www.newportshow.co.uk. A new late entry ticket has been introduced this year from 4pm and 5.30pm costing £5 per adult and £3 for children aged five to 15. Under 5s have free entry all day.
