This July sees the return of the Portishead Summer Show, a major community event in the town’s calendar. The show will be taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July, in the town’s show field at the bottom of Clapton Lane. The show, organised and hosted by the Portishead Horticultural Society, has been taking place since 1863, and this year it will mark its 160th anniversary!

North Somerset Times: Fusion Extreme will thrill crowds with its daring displays

Linda Hodgetts from the Portishead Horticultural Society tells us more about what to expect at this year’s show.

Linda said: “For those new to Portishead or have not been before, the Portishead Summer Show is a combination of a traditional flower and produce show and a country fair. In total, there will be over 300 classes at the show including exhibits covering horticulture, handicrafts, floral arts, cookery, photography and art. We also have a class suitable for everyone – from youngsters at pre-school to residents in nursing homes.

“Whilst the competitions are a major part of the show, we appreciate that some of you just want to be entertained and enjoy a spot of retail therapy. If this is the case, there is something for everyone, with 60 trade stands in the marquee and 25 extra outside selling an eclectic mix of products from steam puddings, free range pork, chutneys, cheese, fudge, jewellery, baby clothes, artwork, felted products and woodcrafts.”

Along with great shopping opportunities a fantastic schedule of entertainment is lined up. Linda said: “On Saturday, we are particularly pleased to welcome Fusion Extreme Mountain Bike Display with its thrilling two-wheeled antics, while the Shetland Performance Display Team and the Happy Hooves Mobile Farm are sure to appeal to the crowds. John Darvall from BBC Radio Bristol will be opening the show at 12 noon and the new deacon, Reverend Lindsay Smith will be doing the blessing.”

North Somerset Times: There will be a performance by the Barnacle Buoys

Live music will come from the Batala Bristol Samba Reggae Band and the Barnacle Buoys, and the McClennan School of Irish Dance will perform an enthralling dance display. Sunday's main attractions include a mini pony show, a fun dog show, displays from M & M Gundogs and Stepping Stones School of Dance, and music from the 40s. Plus there will be fun sports from S4K and Punch and Judy on both days.

There will be no need to go hungry as inside the refreshment tent, traders will be selling freshly made sandwiches, cakes, apple pies, pizzas, Dutch pancakes, ice cream, while the horse box bar will be serving prosecco, Pimm’s and beer.

Linda added: “A lot of people may be surprised to hear that the show costs in excess of £30,000 to host, which covers the cost of hiring the marquees, electrics, security, toilets, arena acts and other incidentals. We are therefore reliant on income from our visitors to cover these overheads. Having said that, unlike a lot of shows, we have kept our entry fees as low as possible, for example, an advance family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is just £16, which is a 20 per cent discount on the gate prices. Children under 16 go free and we also offer free car parking.

“A huge amount of effort goes into planning the show, but it's well worth it to see the pleasure it brings to everyone from those who win prizes for exhibits, to those who just enjoy a fun day out. We hope you will all come along on July 29 and 30.”

For full details and to purchase advanced tickets see: www.portisheadsummershow.com