Farming Monthly National August 2018 | Page 43

| Shows LAMMA show set to bigger and better than ever in 2019 Thrilling finale to the 160th Great Yorkshire Show More than 134,000 visitors flocked to the 160th Great Yorkshire Show, which organisers have hailed one of the best ever. Organisers of LAMMA show believe the event’s move to the NEC, Birmingham, will see it offer more than ever before for visitors and exhibitors alike. he event, which will take place on January 8 and 9, 2019, will be first time LAMMA has been held at the NEC and the show’s organisers said it was on track to cement its status as the premier farm machinery show in the country. With 86 per cent of stand space already sold, the free to attend event is looking to capitalise on its new central location and the easier travel and accommodation options it provides. Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, Group Events Director at parent company AgriBriefing, said the move to the NEC would encourage growth and provide a more professional environment for LAMMA. “This will enable LAMMA to build on its reputation as a meeting place for the entire industry at a key time of year when buying decisions are made,” she said. The 2018 event, held in January at the east of England Showground, Peterborough, fell victim to the weather as strong winds ripped through the site at the end of the first day, causing significant damage to stands and infrastructure. With no choice but to cancel the second day on health and safety grounds, Ms Mork-Eidem said the 2019 event would not face such challenges. Other benefits, she added, would include better zoning, improving the show environment for exhibitors and visitors, reliable free wi-fi across the site and enhanced show facilities. “A 100 per cent indoor show will T www.farmingmonthly.co.uk avoid any reliance on weather conditions and factors that cannot be controlled. It will provide a warm, dry, professional location that will be much more conducive to even better business conversations,” she said. LAMMA 2019 will remain free to enter for visitors, as the Peterborough event was. There will also be free parking at the event for those travelling by car, although to claim their free ticket they will need to register beforehand at www.lammashow.com. With Birmingham International train station stopping at the NEC and Birmingham airport in close proximity, LAMMA show organisers said it had never been easier to get to the event and were hoping to attract more visitors from overseas. Richard Miller, Marketing Manager at Fendt, has booked into LAMMA 2019 and believed the new venue was precisely what the event was crying out for. He said: “The move to the NEC is extremely positive; this is what is needed in the agricultural industry. Manufacturers have an opportunity to launch new products and customers can easily see what’s available and can plan their current and future business investments.” LAMMA began in 1982 and was organised by a group of Lincolnshire agricultural machinery manufacturers. Briefing Media (AgriBriefing’s previous name) bought the event in 2012. For more information go to www.lammashow.com antastic competitions, stunning sunshine, a Royal visit and a wedding combined to make this year’s Show a special one with 134,421 visitors attending over the three days, compared to last year’s figures of 133,542. There were also some firsts with Lizzie Jones making history as the first ever singer to perform in the Main Ring at the Show, the Craven Heifer sculpture took prime position on the President’s Lawn alongside a Big Screen showing Yorkshire Film Archive footage. There was a nail-biting finish with an all-Yorkshire jump off in the prestigious Ripon Select Foods Cock O’ The North showjumping class, this year marking its 50th anniversary. The Yorkshire riders were the only three to jump clear in the first round of the Cock O’The North in front of a packed grandstand. A fence down, dropped James Whitaker to third place and two riders, Jamie Gornall and Joe Clayton went through to jump against the clock. Hudderfield rider Joe Clayton riding Via Van Der Karmenhoek Z took the honours. It was a double at the show for Joe who won the opening class on the first day with the same horse. Other highlights of the day included a visit by Farming Minister George Eustice who was accompanied, as he met exhibitors, by Show Director Charles Mills. Competition was fierce for the top title in the showing. The Cuddy Supreme In-hand Championship qualifier went to a Welsh Section C mare with foal at foot, Popsters Megastar, owned by Horse of the F Year Show chief Mr Sandy Anderson, and shown by Will Perrins of Wakefield. Reserve was David Dixon and Jerome Harforth’s Riding Pony brood mare, Dance All Night. Judge Gill Evans said the standard had been exceptionally high and her final line-up of six was of outstanding quality. The formal han d over to the new President of the Great Yorkshire Show also took place, with Bill Cowling handing over to Tom Ramsden. Show Director Charles Mills said: “I couldn’t have been prouder of the Show, it was a magical three days, a real celebration of farming and the countryside. The weather, the atmosphere, the standard of competition and a visit from HRH The Princess Royal made it a truly spectacular Show and from the feedback we are getting, our visitors thought so too!” On Wednesday, the Supreme Sheep at the show was Paul Tippetts of Shropshire’s Beltex, while the Pig of the Year title went to Robert Emmerson’s Large White gilt, Maple Leaf, from Leicestershire. The Supreme Dairy Champion was an Ayrshire, Willowfields Winnie II, owned by Bill Lindsay and Howard Batty, of Lanarkshire. On Tuesday, there was tough competition for the Supreme Beef title, with the Champion named as Boden and Davies Ltd of Stockport’s British Charolais cow Sportsmans Maisie. Reserve went to R and J Graham of Stirling’s British Limousin heifer, Grahams Melody. Next year’s Great Yorkshire Show will be held on Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 July 2019. August 2018 | Farming Monthly | 43