It's time to head out west for the 100th show!

Wednesday 16 August 2023

Some first timers are among the entertainment acts booked for this year's West Show, which happens to be the 100th even since it started, including Sky Dive Jersey and Van Buren's magic show.

Previous performers including the Bolddog Lings and Big Pete and the Grim Reaper will also be entertaining the crowds who'll be heading for the L'eree Aerodrome today and tomorrow.

Alongside the visiting acts will be Guernsey Bubbles, lawnmower racing and a number of local bands headlining in the Vraiceaters Tavern beer tent over both nights. 

"It’s our 100th show so we’ve really tried to make it a big one," said organiser Linda Norman. "The West Show started in 1913 but due to the wars, foot and mouth and covid we are only this year having our 100th show."

Pictured: Big Pete and the Grim Reaper and Bolddog Lings will be entertaining the crowds at the L'eree Aerodrome today and tomorrow (West Show website).

The fun starts at 10:00 on both Wednesday and Thursday with the showground closing at 23:00 on both days.

There is guest parking for £2 per car provided, and disabled parking is available in both of the official car parks.

One of the car parks can be accessed opposite the Shingle Bank on Route De La Rocque and the other via Route Des Sablons opposite Rue Du Braye. The car park attendants can only accept cash while card payments can be taken at the show entry points and in the beer tent.

It's hoped people will ride their bikes where possible with bike racks provided inside the showground. Regular bus stops on the coast road will be operational too.

Pictured (l-r): His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, West Show President Mark Le Prevost, and Mrs Cripwell. (West Show 2022, Facebook)

The West Show committee is headed up by Mark Le Prevost with Andre Mayor and Peter Le Lacheur his Vice-Presidents.

An army of volunteers put the West Show together each year with support from a number of sponsors. 

They're following in the footsteps of the organisers of the original West Show which was held 110 years ago. 

Aside from 1914, 1939-1945 and 2020 there has been a West Show held every year, with 2017 recognised as the busiest year on record based on the size of the crowds attending.

Pictured: An exhibition entry. (West Show 2022, Facebook)

Shows of the 1920s would attract around 2,600 exhibits, "a record which has only recently been surpassed" according to the West Show website.

This year's exhibits will include the eternally popular children's classes of painted pebbles, home grown produce and baking.

Adult classes will include more of the same, with fur and feather entries also open for viewing throughout Wednesday and Thursday.

All entries had to be submitted by this morning with the tents closed to guests so the judges can view all of the categories.

The exhibit tents are due to be open to the public at 13:00 with an auction of produce at 21:00 tomorrow night ahead of the show closing.

Van Buren's circus will host a meat draw tomorrow from 18:00, with the lawn mower racing finals from 19:00. Trophies will be awarded ahead of the produce auction with the Last of the Light Brigade performing in the beer tent closing the 2023 West Show between 21:00 and 23:00 tomorrow.

Today's highlights will include Van Buren's circus workshops, a vintage tractor drive, the lawn mower racing heats and Skydive Jersey landing with a trail of colourful smoke behind them.

Pictured top: Skydive Jersey and Van Buren (West Show website).