There is just over a week to go to the Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show. It will take place on Sunday 10 August and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Butterfields Estate, Bluebell, Tullamore, Co Offaly will be host once again to the show, which the organisers say is ‘‘the ultimate country lifestyle event’’.

The show contains competitive and display elements, along with top livestock competing for the coveted gold medal.

There will be approximately 650 trade stands at the show displaying the latest in products, services and inventions. With almost 1,000 classes, it is the country’s largest agricultural and cultural showcase. It is estimated that over 60,000 people will attend the event from all over Ireland and, indeed, internationally. The show was focused on agriculture over the years but it has more recently broadened its appeal. It now includes livestock exhibits, equestrian elements, food and crafts, vintage, lifestyle events, pets’ corner and several more entertainment and fun aspects.

The total prize fund for the event is €165,000 spread across the various classes. Show chairman Rodney Cox said that the large prize fund is a credit to the sponsors, including AIB, without whose support they would not be able to reward prize winners to such an extent.

Show secretary Freda Kinnarney said that silage has been harvested recently on the site and ground conditions are dry, so whatever the weather, nothing will dull the enjoyment. An online facility to enter into the various classes was added last year and the use of the system has grown this year and is proving to be a great success.

There will be many features at the show, including the Macra All-Ireland farmskills competition, rare breeds, loy digging competition, forestry and sustainable living exhibition, vintage, artisan foods and crafts, and more. It is Rodney Cox’s second year in the hot seat and he has expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, exhibitors, attendees and the committee for continuing to make the show bigger and better every year.