Food and Farming page has been looking around the Southern Show’s new venue at Orrisdale Farm.

’We’ve had years of good times out of this show and now we’re going to put a bit back,’ says Pip Kermode.

Pip and his family are setting aside 40 acres of their home farm, Orrisdale, in Ballasalla for the thousands of visitors who will be pouring in to enjoy the Southern Show this year. Not to mention all the exhibitors bringing their horses, livestock, dogs and other animals.

It is, Pip acknowledges, a big undertaking: the setting may be stunning, looking right out across the south of the island, but there is still work and planning to be done to provide a venue that’s fit for purpose.

The recently resurfaced Orrisdale Road will be operating on a one-way system for the two days and spectators’ cars will be directed up a driveway behind the main farmhouse to park in the fields behind. The road will be closed over a short section between there and the farmyard, for people to walk through to access the main ring and the horse and livestock rings.

Horseboxes, trailers and HGVs will access the showground directly from the main road between Ballasalla and the Blackboards.

This year, the livestock will have their own ring so they are not using the main ring until the Supreme Award judging. It’s just one way in which moving to a new venue has allowed the organisers to take a more modern approach to health and safety considerations.

Pip is currently busy working on a digger, putting in hardstanding paths to optimise accessibility for everyone, even if the fields are wet. There is no doubt that the Kermodes are in it, not just for this year, but for the longer haul.

’It will take out the farming enterprise for a month either side of the show but for us there was never a doubt that we would do it,’ says Pip’s daughter Kirree.

Apart from providing a great venue, their major concern is getting more farmers to enter their livestock: ’We want to get the younger ones in,’ says Pip.

’It’s a showcase for the whole face of agriculture and everything that’s great about Manx and local: it’s a window of opportunity for farmers,’ says Kirree.

The Southern Show organisers agree. Show secretary, Sarah Comish, said: ’We hope it will attract, inspire and educate people looking to support Manx farming and local business.

’Visitors will have a chance to sample the island’s tastiest food and experience a variety of entertainment and stalls including the animal shows.’

The show has had another boost with the recent announcement that Haven Homes is to be the new headline sponsor for the next three years.

Sarah said: ’We are absolutely delighted to welcome Haven Homes Ltd to be our influential sponsors and partners.

’Their community spirit aligns perfectly with our work at the Southern Show where we are striving to showcase excellence and support local Manx companies.’

Haven Homes is currently working on a new development, The Meadows, in Castletown which consists of three, four and five bed family homes.

Their managing director, Dave Lewis, said ’The partnership with the Southern Agricultural Show is an example of our commitment to support local communities within the area where we are building. We are really looking forward to taking part in the show.’

Full information on the traffic management plans for the show’s new venue will be made available soon and, on behalf of the Southern District Agricultural Society, Sarah thanked the police, the Department of Infrastructure’s highways division, and Bus Vannin for the extensive support and advice they have given.

The border restrictions that have been in place on the island for more than a year have meant that it hasn’t been possible to book entertainment acts from the UK for the main ring at the show. Instead, organisers have had to call upon the local community, and the locals haven’t disappointed.

Sarah Comish listed what they have planned so far. She said: ’On Saturday we will of course be having the Grand Parade in the afternoon with all of the champions in the livestock and the horses.

’Also on over the weekend will be the Purple Helmets and the infamous Southern Show Lawnmower Grand Prix; Triskelion Polo Club; Ellan Vannin Pipe Band; Ellan Vannin Gymnasts; IoM Dog Club Dancing Dogs; a dressage display by Carly Letch; a working sheep dog demonstration by Richard Crowe; a hunting and retrieving dog display by James Murphy; Vintage Machinery Parade; Oset Bikes team display; Horses in Harness Driving competitions; terrier and lurcher racing; meg lamb agility and fancy dress competition, and a Donkey Show.

’We would really like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm in putting on an entirely local agricultural show this year, and to all of our sponsors and contributors supporting all aspects of the event. It may well be the most packed schedule we have ever had.’

l This year’s Southern Show will be held on Saturday, July 31, and Sunday August 1.

For more info, or to enter, visit www.southernshow.org .