Primestock Show 2019

November 25th, 2019

The Primestock Show in Truro returns again for another year, making it the 116th! Visitors can celebrate Cornwall’s agricultural community and enjoy a day of competitions, auctions and activities. In this blog, we share everything you need to know about The Primestock Show and explain why you should visit this year.

What is The Primestock Show in Truro?

The Primestock Show in Truro is an event that celebrates the countryside and farming in the heart of the city. Visitors can observe closely some of the very best Cornish prime cattle and sheep and watch as they are judged and auctioned. Alongside this are some brilliant shows of cookery, floral art, photography, farm produce, and a whole lot more of other exhibits. Below is a video from 2018’s Primestock Show displaying the highlights of the event.

When is The Primestock Show in Truro?

On the 4th of December 2019

Where in Truro is The Primestock Show?

The event is held at the Lemon Quay in Truro. Parking is available in the area, with a few multi-storey car parks on offer. For the main Lemon Quay car park, prices are as follows:

1 Hour: £1.40

2 Hours: £2.50

3 Hours: £3.90

4 Hours: £5.00

6 Hours: £10.50

There is also a bus stop at Lemon Quay which has frequent services running in every direction. So, if you don’t have a car or would rather park outside the city and then travel in, this is a great option.

A close-up picture of a sheep

The schedule of The Primestock Show:

6.30am to 8.30am: Welcome of primestock (cattle and sheep)

7.30am to 8.45am: Outstanding table entries to be staged

9.00am: Judging commences of table exhibits

9.30am: The judging of cattle starts, and the event opens to the public

12pm: Champion beast judging

12:30pm: Judging of sheep commences

2:00pm: Trophies are awarded for cattle, sheep and farm produce

2:15pm: Auction begins for fundraising

2:30pm: Cattle and sheep auction

3:30pm to 4:30pm: The cattle and sheep leave the event

6:00pm: Presentation of trophies for domestic and children

6:30pm: Evening activities begin

A black and white cow in a field

History of The Primestock Show

Back in December 1902, the West Briton & Royal Cornwall Gazette had a headline of “Truro Fat Stock Show – The Biggest in the County”. The article stated that the show lacked in importance, and this was due to the size of the city; this resulted in Truro citizens deciding to host a proper Truro Fat Stock Show. The request was taken up by the Truro Mercantile Association, and then the Fat Stock Society was created. Up until 1907, the show continued to be held at the Cattle Market to which they relocated to the City Hall. The annual event was referred to as a huge day for Truro, and it was the day that the country comes to the town. The show took place annually at Truro City Hall, apart from some breaks for the two World Wars and the foot and mouth disease in 1967.

Two lambs in a field

Unfortunately, in 1985, safety regulations and the proposed development of the City Hall resulted in the society having to relocate and search for a new site. It was then moved to the outside of the city to the Livestock Centre, and the name of the event was changed from Fatstock to Primestock, much to the disappointment of many traditionalists who felt that fat was a necessity to make the meat flavoursome. Then, in 1990, it was decided that 2002 would be a big year; the Queen’s Jubilee, 125th anniversary of Truro becoming a city and when The Primestock Show would celebrate 100 years. With this in mind, it was decided that the show should be moved back into the city centre and this is when they moved to Lemon Quay. Since then, the event has been held in a marquee at Lemon Quay due to the success of the centenary show.

Here at The Valley, we have a range of luxury Cornish cottages in Truro, so what better place to stay when visiting The Primestock Show? Our accommodation is family-friendly, and we welcome dogs to join in on the holiday fun. While you are in Cornwall, there are many things to do as well as The Primestock Show, so take a look at these weird and wonderful places.


What’s On In September

August 12th, 2019

As summer is coming to an end and its time we welcome in autumn, don’t feel disheartened, because, in September 2019, Cornwall is hosting an array of exciting events! From food festivals and summer activities to car shows and sailing festivals, there is plenty to keep you busy during your holiday!

A view of St Michael's Mount in Cornwall

Summer on St Michael’s Mount

2nd – 4th September 2019

Summer on St Michael’s Mount is the perfect activity to spend some quality time with your loved ones and to let the kids get creative. Once you have paid admission to St Michael’s Mount, you can enjoy some crafty family fun free of charge! All of the activities are connected to the Mount stories, and the band of storytellers perform these tales every day during the school holidays!

On Monday, the event that takes place is called “Tall Stories of the Castle” and this is where you can learn all about Cormoran the Giant. You will also get the opportunity to model your own giant’s head using clay and other natural materials. As well as clay modelling, you can also make your own mini catapult!

An assortment of seashells

On Tuesday, it’s all about the “Myths and Legends of the Sea”. Here you get the chance to create your own mini reed boat and test them on the rock pools! You can also collect some seashore treasures and create your very own underwater world.

On Wednesday, it is “Garden Magic on the Mount”, and this is your opportunity to explore the glorious colours of the gardens through the kaleidoscope or create a giant mandala! Furthermore, you can make your own flag using the art of Hapa Zome; this is where you collect numerous natural prints, such as leaves, and paint them to then decorate the flag by pressing the colour down!

A view of the coastal town, St Ives in Cornwall

St Ives September Festival

14th – 28th September 2019

Back in 1977, the first-ever St Ives September Festival took place, and it has been successful for the last forty years. St Ives is a picturesque seaside town in Cornwall that is very popular with visitors, primarily due to is stunning scenery! From music and comedy to workshops and street entertainment, this is a festival worth attending. With so much to do, you can choose how you spend your time. You could decide to take the active route and join in on walks and workshops, or you might prefer to relax and unwind by watching some plays and listening to live music.

Lobsters on ice being sold at a market

Taste of Scilly Food & Drink Festival

1st – 30th September 2019

The Isles of Scilly are just off the coast of Cornwall and can be accessed by a boat service, plane or helicopter. There are multiple islands; St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martins, Bryher, St Agnes and the uninhabited islands! The stunning Isles of Scilly hosts a food and drink festival throughout the month of September and offers a range of locally sourced produce. To start the event, on the 1st of September, there is the Low Tide Experience; at the sandbank between Tresco & Bryher, visitors roll up their trousers and visit the mini food festival. Here you can try some garlic mussels, seafood paella and much more! Along with the delicious local food, you can enjoy some live music with a gin cocktail or prosecco.

A glass of gin

Something new for 2019 is series of Distillery Tours and Gin Schools! At the Spirit Scilly distillery on St Mary’s, you can browse a selection of botanical cabinets, and craft your own juniper creation to take home – the perfect holiday souvenir! In the evenings, you can expect family-farm tours, gin tasting, baking competitions, and so much more! With an abundance of things to see, do, and of course taste, this is an event that cannot be missed. Visit the spectacular islands, meet the local producers and try some of their exquisite food and drink!

A row of old fashion Mini cars

Cornwall’s Motorsport Month

1st – 30th September 2019

Cornwall is most well-known for sailing, but many forget its passion for motors! September is the month for cars, motorbikes and everything a petrolhead could dream of. Throughout the month there are different occasions; some of the highlights are the 4 x 4 event, Greenpower and Classic Car Show, Motorfest and Motor Cycle Trial.

A row of classic scooters

Showcasing some fantastic cars and bikes, the Greenpower and Classic Car Show is hosted at the Truro Girls School and is a great day out. On the 8th of September between 11 am and 3 pm, there will be over 150 classic cars, motorbikes and a selection of military vehicles from WW2! As well as all this, there will be a market full of food and drink stalls selling some delicious goodies!

If you are looking to visit Cornwall in September, we hope we have encouraged you to visit some of these fantastic events while you are here. When planning a trip with the kids it can be tough to find suitable accommodation. Here at The Valley, we offer family-friendly holidays in Cornwall with our range of self-catering cottages! Perfect for a family getaway, we are situated in a great location, so you can visit as many events as you desire!


Top Off Summer with a Ticket to Falmouth Week 2017

June 28th, 2017

Falmouth Week, set to begin on Friday 4th August 2017, is a week not to miss this summer. One of the most anticipated events in Cornwall, Falmouth Week brings a host of events that bring the sleepy seaside town to life with energy, fun and a sense of community. If you’re planning on heading to Falmouth this summer, there truly is no better time to visit, and we have some fantastic child-friendly cottages where you can stay.

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Legend of the Bay set to sail on into Newquay this weekend

April 17th, 2015

If you love your watersports, like many of the local residents of Cornwall do, and you’re looking for something exciting to do while staying in our family friendly cottages, Cornwall, Watergate has something you won’t want to miss! The British Kitesurfing Association (BKSA) and the British Stand Up Paddlesurf Assocation (BSUPA) are joining forces to bring Legends of the Bay to Watergate.

 

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