With more added attractions, this weekend sees the return of The Framlingham Country Show. Entertainment writer Wayne Savage finds out what’s in store for visitors.
From daredevil arena displays and fun dog shows to mouth-watering cookery demonstrations and rural crafts, there’s plenty to see and do at this year’s show.
Main ring action will include the Stunt Monkeys, made up of two of Britain’s Top-ranked trials stunt riders who can be regularly seen on TV and top motorbike shows; who promise an edge of the seat showcase.
Crowds will flock to the World of Wings demonstration, featuring everything from tiny flocks of parrots and groups of storks to giant hornbills and majestic eagles and vultures who will soar high and just overhead under the guidance of their award-winning, internationally renowned trainers.
New this year is the Lowestoft Dog Display Team with its canine stars jumping through fire hoops and performing a range of stunts. Also new is Cassey Morris and her Rocky Mountain horse plus Medieval archery.
Organisers have pulled out all the stops to make sure kids are kept entertained this year, with lots of additional child friendly things to see and do for free. There are magic shows, circus workshops, storytelling sessions, Punch and Judy, a massive T-Rex and rides.
Gemma’s Farm will stage educational and interactive sessions which include animal handling. Expect to see sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, ferrets, rabbits and ponies. If your little ones prefer more exotic creatures head over to Phil’s amazing reptiles where they’ll see snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons and other lizards. If you’re feeling brave, you can handle his boa constrictor or tarantula.
This year organisers have lined up a range of rural crafters including Woodland Sticks of Harwich which has a 30-year history in crafting walking sticks and competing across the country, winning many awards in the process. Tom Jones - the furniture makers, not the singer - will be there too.
There will plenty of other opportunities to shop, with more than 150 tradestands.
Both days will feature live music too from 11am-4pm.
This year’s Framlingham Country Show includes the Festivals of Dogs which welcomes pooches of all breeds and sizes.
The festival will include talk areas, fun dog shows with more than 15 classes, dog agility demonstrations, have-a-go flyball and agility sessions, expert advice and lots more.
Running alongside the Framlingham Country Show is the Suffolk Food and Drink Festival, with treats from more than 45 small producers.
New this year is street food, an array of goods from around the world. There will also be talks on foraging and cider tasting.
Foodies will love the cookery demonstrations.
Jonny Nicholson, whose career includes working with Marco Pierre White and as executive chef at Chelsea’s Bluebird, has transformed The Bell at Sax and will share some of his tricks of the trade during the weekend. Italian chef and forager Claudio Bincoletto, described by Skye Gyngell as a “magician”, will talk about the synergy between food and nature.
Mrs Portley’s kitchen from Suffolk will be at the show this year. Another name to look out for is Curry Corner. Suffolk’s very own Madhur Jaffrey, Mary Pannapara, will be cooking Bombay street food. And that’s just a taste of what’s in store.
The Framlingham Country Show runs 10am-5pm, April 9-10, at Framlingham College. Tickets are selling fast, click here for details.
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