Whit’s on this County Show weekend?
At a loss for what to do this weekend? Well, with it being one of the biggest weekends in the Orkney calendar, you really shouldn’t be. But, just in case, we’ve put together a peedie list to keep you right!
County Show, Bignold Park, Kirkwall
Orkney’s show season concludes tomorrow, Saturday, with the County Show. The event, which will take place in its traditional venue of Bignold Park, Kirkwall, will showcase the best livestock and animals that Orkney has to offer.
With stalls from local business, clubs, and charities, County Show is a place to find out more about what’s going on in the community, to meet new folk — or catch up with ones you haven’t seen in a while — and generally have a good time.
The weather looks set to be fairly dry this year, which is sure to encourage folk of all ages to try out some of the fun games and attractions on offer. This year, alongside the usual rides and competitions, there will be a chance to try out the Pickaquoy Centre’s bubble football and get a wee dance in with music from The Eastie Boys.
Aside from the main event, this weekend looks to be packed full of fun and shenanigans. Here’s our rundown of some of the entertainment on offer over the next few days.
Friday Night Entertainment
Time to get ready for a fabulous Friday night. Tonight sees gigs in two of Kirkwall’s popular watering holes, with Bad Apple performing in The Auld Motorhoose and The Tribe entertaining the crowd at The St Ola Hotel.
Saturday Night Entertainment
If you’re not too tuckered out from all the fresh air at the show, there’s plenty of fun events on the go to keep you entertained all night long.
If you’re planning on staying in Kirkwall for the night, and fancy a peedie taste of Shetland rock, head along to Scaldin Bragg at Matchmakers for a night of Irish punk-infused shenanigans, starting at 10.30pm.
Not your scene? That’s ok — The Cartel and Wayward will taking to the Pickaquoy Arena for the official County Show Dance, starting at 9pm.
If you’d rather If you fancy getting out of town for the night but you’re still up for a few tunes, Ben Maggs will be concluding his mini-tour of Orkney at the Cromarty Hall, St Margaret’s Hope. Starting at 7.30pm, the English singer songwriter will be keeping the crowd going with flowing melodies throughout the evening.
Sunday Afternoon Entertainment
If you’re still standing by Sunday, you’ll be a legend in the eyes of many. If you’re up for a peedie wander round about, there’s still plenty of entertainment to get you through the afternoon.
Orkney Vintage Club will be holding their annual Vintage Rally at Orkney Auction Mart, Kirkwall from 11am until 4pm. If you’re a motor-enthusiast, a history buff or both, this might just be the perfect afternoon for you. As well as the usual collection of vintage and classic vehicles, there will also be a tractor gathering to celebrate 100 years of Fordson and an indoor exhibition.
If you fancy a few tunes and a peedie reviver in the afternoon, you can nip along to the St Ola Hotel for their Sunday Session. This week, The Eastie Boys are set to keep spirits high as the weekend draws to a close.
County Show weekend will conclude with the traditional Riding of the Marches. The annual event sees a procession of horses and riders navigate through Kirkwall. Starting on Broad Street at 2pm and travelling down to the end of Bridge Street before heading out to Weyland, the riders will be led by this year’s Standard Bearer, Karen Greaves, flanked by Sharon Nixon.