Cheshire East Council is supporting two of the largest agricultural events in the County which highlight the ongoing commitment to supporting rural life, its associated rural economy and Quality of Place..
The Royal Cheshire County Show is a two-day event, which this year is also celebrating 180 years of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, held on Tuesday and Wednesday (19 and 20 June). This is to be followed by the Nantwich Show and International Cheese Awards on 25 July.
During the last 12 months, both Cheshire East and Cheshire West Councils have implemented an improvements initiative which has included the £2.4 million LEADER programme. This has supported more than 60 rural businesses and colleges, including Nantwich’s Reaseheath College, through the closely linked Local Development Order programme.
In Cheshire East the rural economy represents 32 per cent of the borough’s £3.6 billion economy and provides work for more than 65,000 people.
Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council deputy leader, said: “It’s important we are backing these magnificent rural events. During the year, we have been working closely with local businesses to support them in a variety of ways. We are very fortunate in Cheshire East to cover 450 square miles of beautiful countryside across the borough – this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer.
“We are keen to promote Cheshire East as a visitor destination so that people can explore our countryside for themselves, as well as promoting successful, ongoing work. Our villages have been highlighted and recognised for Britain in Bloom awards as well as best kept villages. These events really help to encourage local people and visitors to spend more time and money in our beautiful borough.”
Each year, 16 million people visit Cheshire East, which last year generated an income of more than £895 million.
Visitors planning a journey to The Royal Cheshire County Show will benefit from a free shuttle bus service to and from the showground, which has been kindly organised by the council. The service will run to and from Knutsford and Hartford railway stations. This event will be held in Tabley, near Knutsford.
In addition, the Nantwich Show and International Cheese Awards will be open to the public on Wednesday, 25 July at Dorfold Park, Nantwich. Visitors will be able to see winning cheeses from more than 130 countries where Councillor Janet Clowes, portfolio holder for rural affairs will also be awarding the trophy for Champion Farmhouse Cheshire Cheese.
