THE line-up for this year’s 20th Mirfield Show, on Sunday, August 17, has been announced.
The Showground spectacle will have a ‘Celebrating Yorkshire, Mirfield Style’ theme offering something new for all the family.
Said Karen Bullivant, chair of the organising committee: “As times continue to be financially difficult for many people, we wanted a low-cost entertainment-packed day out for all the family.
“It remains free entrance for all children under 16 and adult advance tickets remain only £3.50.
“The whole family can watch the amazing main arena entertainment for free, enter most of the classes and competitions for free – plus they can feel free to bring their own food and enjoy it in our picnic area.”
She added: “Year on year the costs continue to rise, with a bill this year of probably over £30,000, but we are determined to continue what was set down back in 1995 – to put on a show with attractions that the public are unlikely to have seen locally before.”
This year’s show has two headline acts.
The first is the Yorkshire-based Stannage International Stunt Team, pictured right, a family affair with dad Mark, mum Janine and son Aaron.
Mark Stannage started his professional career at 14 and is one of Britain’s top stuntmen and escape artists.
He has showcased his talents on several television shows and films during a 25-year career.
The second main attraction is The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band – Yorkshire’s premier military-style concert and marching band.
Based in Birkenshaw, the band has more than 30 musicians from all walks of life and is one of only four bands of its kind in the country.
Band manager Kevin Fisher MBE is a former station commander at Mirfield Fire Station.
Also in the main arena will be the Horse and Pony Show, the ATC Marching Band, the Katie Philpott dancers, children’s fancy dress competition, the Sarah Sutton dancers, children’s races and the ever-popular tug-of-war... plus a few surprises.
There will be free live music in conjunction with Yorkshire radio station The Pulse. Acts confirmed for the day are Sophie May Williams, 50s-style semi-finalist on TV’s The Voice; Mirfield acoustic singer-songwriter Jasmine Wilkinson; Ska House; country and pop singer Jade Helliwell; acoustic covers performer John Hetherington; local rock and indie band Eternal Teenage Syndrome; acoustic musician Julian Socha; a mix of original material and covers from Peculiar Blue; the Fie! experience from Fie! Fie! Fie!; plus two big surprise acts.
Other attractions will include an under-fives soft play area, Yorkshire Regiment shooting, Kirklees youth van, Shoufukan Japanese arts, an owl display, Mirfield fire engine, donkey rides, bee display and skep making, dry stone walling, children’s rides, Budokai martial arts, archery, police display, Jersey and Highland cattle, golf range, Pinxton Puppets, family Yorkshire games, laser combat zone, bouncy castles and slides and the army cadets.
The event will also feature more than 60 trade stands and craft stalls, plus thousands of exhibits in competition classes.
Advance tickets (£3.50) for the show are on sale at www.mirfieldshow.co.uk, from Ramsden’s butchers, the Melting House chocolate shop, Beadelicious and Perfections.
Entry at the gate on the day is £5.
