Jersey dairy farmers have long held a tradition of showing the quality of their herds at a series of annual cattle shows.
Over the years, the number of competitors participating in these shows dwindled and spectators at these events became limited
mainly to those directly involved in the dairy industry.
In 1997 the organisers of one of the Island's annual cattle shows, the Three Western Parishes Show encompassing St Mary,
St Peter and St Ouen, met to find a way of re-vitalising their show and attracting a wider audience.
The Cattle Association of the Parish of St Brelade was invited to join them, the
West Show Association was formed and the
WEST SHOW was born.
The aims of the
West Show Association include:
- Providing and encouraging the provision of facilities for showing and exhibiting Jersey cattle
- Providing and encouraging the provision of facilities for educating, informing and promoting public interest in Jersey, in
the history and the present and future development of Jersey cattle, and in Island life and culture
Every two years, the parishioners of the four western parishes - St Brelade, St Mary, St Ouen, and St Peter - are invited
to a celebration of all that is good about Jersey and to remember parts of Island life that, sadly, we have lost.
The rest of Jersey is invited too - so long as they are happy to concede that living in the west of the Island is better than the
east and that there's still more to Jersey than banks and swish office blocks in St Helier. For two days, the Island's capital
becomes St Peter and all roads lead west!
What makes the biennial West Show so special?
- The show offers an environment in which to reflect on all that is good about Jersey's rural traditions - past and present
- The show encourages an interest in country pursuits - for a population that predominantly lives or works in an urban environment
- The show offers a taste of temps passé - a gentler age - and of the "Jersey way"
- The show provides a focus for the community, and community spirit - attracting thousands of residents and tourists
- The show provides a full day’s entertainment for a competitively priced entry fee
- The show has a friendly carnival atmosphere
The show promotes Jersey's history and culture, Jersey produce and crafts, showcases local clubs and associations,
offers "headline" attractions from the UK and France (sometimes further afield),
and provides non-stop spectator events in three arenas.
There is something for all ages at the show. From hay bales and donkey rides, to motorbikes and
top local bands playing live through the day, to gardening advice and cream teas. And despite the
large numbers that attend (over 15,000 in 2008) there is always plenty of room in the Association's
55 vergée site.
Despite all of this, the West Show is run entirely by volunteers, something that often surprises visiting attractions.
This is important to the Association, and reflects Jersey's strong tradition of honorary service at parish level.
Whilst the main
West Show takes place every two years,
a
cattle show is held annually.
The West Show's home is a 55 vergée site (approximately 25 acres) in the parish of St Peter - land farmed by the Quénault family.
The show-ground features three arenas (the largest of which is 100m by 60m), numerous marquees, and a large number of outdoor exhibits.
Surrounding fields are the home to four car parks, and a one-way system operates around the show-ground.
Further details will be provided closer to the show, and will also be available in a supplement in the Jersey Evening Post to
be published in the week leading up to the show.
Don't miss out on the latest news, sign up for our newsletter (using the box below)!
How to get to the West Show 2010
Click on the image above to view a larger version, or
download the full version as a PDF (4mb).
Download the West Show 2010 Flyer and Programme of Events »