It's Showtime! The Best of Britain's Small Animal Enthuasists are getting set to return into the spotlight at the 99th 'Bradford' Premier Small Animal Show to be held on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd January 2022 at Doncaster Racecourse.
The Show has been a key date in the Small Animal World since 1921, and the 2022 event is set to be a celebration not to be missed for all Small Animal lovers. The Show's continuing success is thanks to all the fanciers, young and old, who over the show's history have come together to compete for the ultimate honour of 'Best in Show'. It's the longest running and biggest Small Animal Show in the UK and this year's event will feature yet more new attractions as its popularity continues to grow almost a century since its launch.
Laura Fox, Show Director of the Bradford Small Livestock Society, said: "With just over six months to go until our 99th Show, preparations are well under way to build on the success of our 2020 event, after the cancellation of 2021 due to COVID-19. This prestigious event is firmly in the fanciers show calendar for 2022! The 'Bradford' Premier Small Animal Show has long been admired as a not to be missed event and we aim to make this year another momentum milestone in the Show's proud history. Fanciers across the country looking to compete, trade or just attend the show can expect to see further new attractions including a bigger and even better central activity area. Back for 2022 is the hugely popular Showcase Square, which will be the focus again for interactive activities including the 'Bradford' Rabbit Grand National Display, and lots of other fun activities throughout the show weekend. Fun for all the family!".
Alan Wheal, Chairman of the Bradford Small Livestock Society, added: "I am proud to be part of the ongoing success of this spectacular Show. 2020 was one of the most successful events in the Society's history with over 5,000 visitors and a sold out trade area. As a Society passionate about Small Animals, we have pledged to help build on this success for 2022 and honour the Shows 99th Anniversary."
Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
The Shows long history demonstrates an appreciation of Small Animals that reaches through generations. Originally staged as the 'Bradford Championship Show' the idea was conceived by Mr J.E Watmough of Bradford, the owner and publisher of 'Fur & Feather Magazine'. At that time the Cavy, Hamster, Mouse, Rabbit and Rat Fancies each had their own Specialist Club, and whilst Fur & Feather Magazine provided a central outlet for written material, each Club was still regularly holding their own individual shows seperate from all the other livestock fancies. Watmough's dream was to bring together all the fancies under one roof to hold the ultimate Championship Show and in 1920 he appealed to his readers for support. The very first Show in 1921, staged at Manningham Barracks in Bradford, was an instant success and was to become an annual event. In 1929 a specialist Committee of volunteers was formed to organise the Show, called the Bradford Small Livestock Society. This Society still exists and organises the Show to this day.
Bradford Championship Show soon became the world's largest and most famous Small Animal Event and in most recent years it has been named The 'Bradford' Premier Small Animal Show to mark the strengthened partnership of Small Animals across the U.K. The return back to Doncaster Racecourse in 2017 presented fresh opportunities to introduce new activities and events as well as an extended trade and exhibition area.
Your Chance to Get Involved in the Show
There are plenty of trade opportunities available to promote your brand and attend the show. With packages starting at just £150, don't delay and book today! If you do wish to take a stand or sponsor the event, showcasing your products or services to small animal enthusiasts, please contact us for details.
With entry costs unchanged from 2019 starting at just £5 for under 16's and £10 for adults, the show is an inexpensive fun-filled day out for all the family. Alternately, you can purchase a family ticket for £25 which admits two adults and up to two under 16's. A small number of tickets are available on the door, but to avoid disappointed we recommend you book in advance.
Small Animals, Big Day Out! See you in January!