Show stays true to tradition
Over the 80 years in which it has been held, the Virginia Show has changed a lot especially in recent times with the launch of a dedicated website - www.viginiashow.com - not to mention the introduction of online ticketing and show entries.
Despite this, there are some elements of the show that remain traditional and timeless, according to the Show Committee president Owen Brodie.
“We’ve changed with society but the core reasons and core benefits for coming to the show are the same. There’s been a bit of a kickback to some of the trends we saw over the pandemic, and people want to go and meet each other, to chat. We saw this last year, people want to have a drink or a coffee and talk to people they haven’t seen in a while. It’s a social outing and an opportunity to meet old friends. It’s great to get a day off from farming and the rat race of everyday life. There’s a huge variety of events, with something there for all ages.”
Owen emphasises that farming is at the centre of what the show is about.
“It’s still an agricultural show, so naturally there are a lot of conversations around farming, and the latest technologies available. Many different businesses come who might have staff who have never met face to face with their clients, but they can see each other at the show for the first time. A lot of new companies are coming to us now looking to set up their stall at this because it’s the best way they can get in touch with their customers.”
Unlike a lot of events of a similar nature, Virginia Show takes place midweek, on a Wednesday, which Owen says has both positive and negative aspects.
“It’s easier for us to keep the show focussed on agriculture when it’s on midweek. A lot of companies who attend want to do business with people who are going to the show, and people who attend it during the week are more likely to do this.
“We tried it on the weekend a number of years ago, but some of the businesses that were there said they’d prefer to be there during the week.
“There was a slight increase in the crowd there, but there were fewer interactions with the companies. They also said there was a far greater cost incurred in employing staff for the stands. Also, people who are working from home have the option of doing a bit of work and then coming into the show for a few hours. If they are working in an office, they wouldn’t have time to come in. Alternatively, there can be a cohort of part-time farmers who can be hard to get on board because they are busy working during the week, and then are working on the weekend.”
Ground conditions
With changeable weather over the last few weeks, underfoot conditions have been made quite tricky. However, the show has made accommodations for both man and beast.
“It’s a well-equipped ground for travelling, especially in soft weather, as there’s a lot of hardcore and tarmac. Even the cattle will have astroturf to walk on, because we’re on limited ground, and the area underfoot can be quite hard, which is positive from an animal welfare point of view.”
Special anniversary
There will also be a special area to commemorate the show’s special anniversary.
“As it is our 80th show, there is an area designated for memorabilia, artefacts, and photographs gathered over the years. We’ve transferred them digitally and are doing a display, which four people are working on to get ready. We’ll also have a few dignitaries and other special guests coming along on the day.”
Tickets
* Wednesday, August 23, is Show Day. Tickets are priced at €15 online for an adult (€20 at gate); €40 for a family of two adults and two teenagers (€50 at gate) and €12 online for OAPs and students (€15 at gate).