Now in its 18th year, Sheffield’s bank holiday family fun day, The Sheffield Fayre, is back in Norfolk Heritage Park this Monday 26 August, with the famous Sheffield Horticultural Show taking centre stage.

The free event, organised by Sheffield City Council in partnership with The Friends of Norfolk Heritage Park, and The University of Sheffield, boasts activities for all the family from 10.30am – 5pm. New this year is the Vintage Village from the National Emergency Museum alongside the fayre’s regular attractions such as the Horticulture Show and craft tent, RSPCA Dog Show, Birds of Prey display, fun fair, board games corner and more.

Fayre-goers can immerse themselves in a truly vintage experience getting hands-on with a selection of historic objects, such as photos, gas masks, books, equipment, uniform and more, plus dressing up in various uniform and clothing on the costume section. Visitors will also get the chance to ask questions and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes in museums. Soloist Marina-Mae will entertain throughout the day, performing vintage classics from eras passed.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield Fayre is one of our most popular events of the year. I know we say this a lot but this event honestly has something for everyone, combining the long standing traditions of the horticulture show and the maypole, with fantastic family attractions like the birds of prey display and fun fair.

“We always try to bring in new additions. I’m sure this year’s Vintage Village will be a big hit amongst our visitors young and old. This free event is set in one of the most beautiful parks in our city and I’d encourage everyone to come along and make the most of this fantastic bank holiday day out.”

 

The centrepiece of the show is The Sheffield Horticultural Show which gives budding bloomers and veteran veg growers from, 4 to 104, the chance to show their yield and compete for the best beetroot or the most marvellous marrow.  There are classes for flowers, plants, vegetables, cacti, bonsai, wine, cakes, handicrafts, painting and photography, plus children’s classes.  There’s even a novice class for total beginners in growing.

Small cash prizes will be awarded for each class and a beautiful rosette for the best in each section. The producer of the Best Entry in Show receives the prestigious John Bauer Memorial Trophy.

Sheffield City Council also present their awards to the best allotments in Sheffield during the Show.  All the awards are presented by the Lord Mayor.

Other highlights of the show include the Sheffield Beekeepers Association’s annual Honey Show where people can find out everything they need to know about keeping bees and making honey, and new this year the South Yorkshire Bonsai Society tell-all on how to produce these wonderful miniature creations.

Organiser of the Sheffield Horticultural Show, Carol Jenkinson, said: “The Horticultural Show is a prestigious event. Last year our National Vegetable Society said that some of our entries could compete at national level. That said, we welcome people of all ages and experience to get involved and hope to inspire more people into the growing and crafting community.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to meet and share their skills and knowledge and many new friends are made here. I look forward to seeing the fantastic efforts of this year’s entrants and hope everyone enjoys the day.”

RSPCA will have a tombola, pet goods stall, wheel of fortune (win a prize every time), meet and greet dogs, and a have-a-go agility area and information kiosk about the animals up for adoption in the centre.

If that’s not enough animal action, the Wise Owl Birds of Prey display is also back this year, featuring a whole host of feathered friends that have been saved by this wonderful bird sanctuary.

Kids will be kept entertained all day by the National Fairground Archive Exhibits, Classic Board Games Corner, Sheffield Kite Flyers with kite and boarding demos, a maypole workshop, craft tent and family fun fair.

Along with all the fun, a range of top quality food stalls will keep everyone well fuelled for a jam packed day of fun-filled action.

Sheffield Fayre takes place at Norfolk Heritage Park on Monday 26 August from 10.30am-5pm and is free to attend. Some rides and activities may be charged for.