Description:

Four legs, furry legs, fluffy legs, feathered legs…come and get up close to over 500 cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry at the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show this summer at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex. This delightful annual agricultural show for rare and traditional breeds of farm animals takes place on Sunday 19 July, and is one of the biggest and most popular shows of its kind in the South East.

The event is held on the Museum’s beautiful site in the South Downs, and celebrates the qualities and diversity of the rarest of farm animals across the region. Smallholders throughout the south play a vital role in nurturing rare and traditional breeds of livestock, and several hundred cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry of numerous breeds are expected to take part. Over the last 24 years, the event has generated a great following, both from exhibitors and visitors, who value its relaxed and friendly atmosphere – a reminder of traditional agricultural shows.

Features of the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show include magnificent rare breed cattle, orange-bristled Tamworth pigs, Southdown Sheep with their teddy bear faces and dumpling shape, and the ever-popular Pygmy goats which stand not much more than one foot high. The next generation’s exhibitors and stockmen are nurtured at the show with classes for young handlers, with assorted sheep and goats in tow. Older children are judged for their skills by experienced livestock judges.

Spinners, weavers and dyers show their mettle in the marquee, which also features knitted, woven and crochet items. There will be a range of trade stands to browse and buy, and once again there will be a wide selection of country crafts and trades – with some exciting new faces as well as familiar ones.

Visitors can also take the opportunity to look round the 45 historic buildings on the Museum’s 50-acre site, including the recreated medieval farmstead and authentic Tudor kitchen, and visit the Museum’s own team of working Shire horses, working cattle and other farm livestock.

The Museum is open for the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show and every day this summer from 10.30am - 6pm. Admission charges are adults £8.95, over 60s £7.95; children £4.70, family ticket £24.25, and include a full day’s entry to all the Museum buildings and outdoor exhibits. Group rates are also available.