Head to the Road-Show: something for the weekend

If you're looking for something a little different to do on Sunday 2nd August and live in or around Dorset - or happen to be visiting the area - then look no further than the Cattistock Country Road-Show which is taking place near Maiden Newton in Dorset.

With so many events cancelled across the country, the organisers of the traditional Cattistock Country Show - which has been taking place for 58 years - were determined to find a way to host the event while complying with government guidelines and offering an opportunity to raise funds for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance charity.

This year's show will, understandably, be a little different to usual. Being described as "A blend of 'a car treasure hunt' with aspects of 'show' all day", this promises to be no ordinary country show and visitors are being encouraged to book online to assist with the coordination of the event.

The aim is to offer the usual aspects of the community show, but on a socially distanced scale. Visitors will be encouraged to visit four different "hubs" by taking part in a scavenger trail which starts from the showground and heads out around the surrounding countryside, whereby participants will scour the countryside in search of wacky clues and wild prizes.

Rex Fisher, one of the organisers of the show was disappointed when the prospect of the traditional show taking place was looking bleak and got behind the local feeling that 'the show must go on', which has resulted in the show taking place in four different hubs celebrating different aspects of the countryside. The four different hubs include a country pursuits area, a celebration of local crafts, a range of all-Dorset produce and some fun, agricultural games including welly wanging.

"The show will be a testament to true rural resilience. If you want a fantastically fun, safe family day out after so many months of being locked away then this is the answer," explained Rex.

"To make the day run smoothly and ensure everybody's safety, we need people to book their tickets online in advance so that we can plan and adapt to numbers. We're so often slated as being 'behind the times' in the countryside, but this shows true determination to celebrate the things we love and bring the community back together," he continued. "While support is paramount and much appreciated, it;s the smiling faces being back at the Cattistock valley that will make it all worth it."

A Countryside Alliance spokesperson said; "This is typical of the spirit of those who live in the countryside who want to engage with their community, educate them about rural activities and offer some respite during a year which has seen the majority of events cancelled. No stone has been left unturned in planning this event in order to ensure everybody's safety while continuing to raise funds for charity and offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a proper day out in the country."

For more information on the show, click here.