The Honiton Agricultural Show – where agriculture comes first.

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

One of the longest-running events in East Devon is the Honiton Show and this year will see the 129th edition of the event.

The first show was held during the reign of Queen Victoria, in 1890, and it has always had agriculture at the heart of it.

It has been held at different sites during its history, starting on Bramble Hill in its first few years, before moving to a site in Dowell Street in 1920.

More recently, it was held on fields at the eastern end of town until it moved to its present location, on a 140-acre site alongside the former route of the A30.

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Traditionally held on the first Thursday of August, this year it will be on August 1.

Being an agricultural show, there will be plenty of opportunity to have a look around the livestock pens, where visitors will see cattle and sheep.

But there is also a chance to see them in the main ring when the Grand Parade sees the prize winners being shown off to the spectators.

Visitors to the show this year will get the chance to see some great entertainment in the main ring.

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

These will include motorbike rider Jamie Squibb and his Freestyle Motocross Arena Stunt Show.

The Devil's Horsemen, which is Europe's number one stunt and trick riding team, will be performing with some of the world's best known horses, some of which have appeared in films.

Dancing sheep will also feature in the ring, with the Sheep Show returning to the event.

Horses also have a significant presence at the Honiton Show, with classes ranging from Shetlands to shires, with private driving and heavy horses appearing in the main ring.

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

And for everything countryside, visitors are encouraged to visit the bottom field at the show site, where they will find demonstrations of rural skills, a wide range of vintage tractors, ferret racing and a blacksmiths guild.

Other features include the West of England Hound Show, the second largest in the country, attracting packs from all over the British Isles, the Blackdown Hills Business Association marquee, which showcases the businesses from that area and the surrounding market towns and villages, and dog owners can also show off their pets, with both pedigree and fun classes making up the dog show.

There are many other activities and features to attract around 20,000 visitors each year to the one-day event, which is one of the biggest of its kind in the country, and its aims to be a showcase for the best of local farming, produce, crafts and rural skills.

The show relies on its team of volunteer stewards whose work helps the show to run with minimum fuss.

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

If you would like to get involved with the organisation of Honiton Show, you can find out more by visiting www.honitonshow.co.uk

To read more features from East Devon Resident, click here.

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Honiton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry IfeHoniton Show 2018. Ref mhh 31 18TI 2018 9398. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)