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EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the return of the Keith Show this week.

The show, the largest of its kind in Moray, will take place over August 7 and August 8 for the first time in three years after the show could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

A ladies day on the Friday and a marquee dance the following night will herald in the show's return.

A massed pipe band display will then kick off the show proper as it returns with a packed programme of events for 2022.

Angela McWilliam, Keith Show chairperson, said that preparations are going well and that anticipation is building ahead of its return.

"The excitement in the town is certainly starting to build up now," Ms McWilliam said.

"The preparations are going well. We've seen so much generosity in terms of people returning to sponsor various classes.

"It's all been very upbeat. The committee have just been really heartened by the level of support because they have worked extremely hard to get the show going again.

"We've kept our prices the same as previous years because we know that things are quite tight for people at the moment.

"We're just hoping for an excellent turnout."

The opening day of the show will feature a range of activities including massed pipebands, show jumping, children races, a tug of war, a pet parade, highland dancing competitions and more. The show has also seen a boost in large truck and vintage entries, which will be on parade during the afternoon.

On Monday, considered to be the more business end of the show, livestock of all classes will be shown in the main ring in one large grand parade.

"Entries so far have been amazing," Ms McWilliam said.

"Especially sheep entries. We've had nearly 500 across the sheep section alone. The new Blue Texel class has over 60 entries and is the largest section across the show, cattle entries are also up and we’re hosting the Scottish Limousin Grand Prix for the first time which is exciting.

"We've had over 60 entries for that so far as well which is an enormous turnout of Limousin cattle, from all over Scotland."

Also new to this year's show is a barrel making demonstration, sheep dog trial and a bigger beer tent with seating area.

There will also be various stands for show goers to enjoy over the course of the two days including one from Morayvia, an aviation museum based in Kinloss.

The event will also include a flower show and feature a craft fair as well as industrial, rural and lifestyle stands

Ms McWilliam added: "We'll also host the champion of champions of Scotland, sponsored by Simmers Contracts Ltd.

"We then go onto our overall Keith Show champion which is judged between the champion cattle, sheep and the horses from both days. That's also new for this year."

More information can be found at http://www.keithshow.org.uk/.

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