WHAT’S NEW AT COUNTRYSIDE LINCS FOR 2019?

FAMILIES can expect to enjoy new, fun activities at this year’s Countryside Lincs, taking place at the Lincolnshire Showground on Sunday 14 April. The popular event returns in celebration of animals, food, farming and the countryside.

New for this year is the Sports Zone, where attendees can take part in All Stars Cricket taster sessions with Lincolnshire Cricket. An initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the activity and game-based programme is aimed at children aged five to eight and is delivered in 38 centres throughout Lincolnshire.

Niall Young, Lincolnshire County Cricket development manager said: “We were thrilled to find out that a Sports Zone was being introduced for this year’s Countryside Lincs, and we’re excited to be giving attendees a taste of what our All Stars Cricket programme entails.

“The whole premise of All-Stars Cricket is to give children the foundations of a lifelong love of physical activity – and cricket – through a positive first experience. Our activities are suitable for all skill levels and it provides the perfect opportunity to try something new, or the excuse to play a sport they already enjoy.”

Visitors can also take part in the Action Wheels adventure bike course, and Active Lincolnshire’s human table football, both in the Sports Zone. Crowds can also enjoy the Stunt Trial Bike Show throughout the day, performed by Will Ackerley,

Rosie Crust, education and development officer for the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “We’re really excited to be introducing the Sports Zone this year, adding another fun and engaging element for both children and adults coming along on the day. As always, there’s a packed timetable of activities in the Countryside Ring and with eight different zones for children and parents to explore, it makes the perfect Easter holiday day out.”

Returning for the fifth year running, the action-packed family-friendly day will feature interactive activities in the Food Zone with Lincolnshire chef Rachel Green hosting live cookery demonstrations with egg producers L J Fairburn & Son Ltd.

Attendees will have the chance to try their hand at making jam with Jenny’s Jams Ltd, mini pork pies with Redhill Farm Free Range Pork, and mallow pops complete with marvellous toppings from Old Elephant Fudge.

Interactive and engaging walkabout act Froojamaflip & Fred will also be making an appearance at Countryside Lincs. The living fruit and vegetable man and his friend Fred the gardener will be performing The Great British Garden Show, sharing the importance of healthy living and teaching children about the wonders of the Great British garden using storytelling, comedy and colourful costumes.

This year the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society – the charity behind the Showground – is celebrating its 150^th birthday. To mark the anniversary, the Heritage Zone at Countryside Lincs will teach visitors about the heritage of Lincolnshire, including watching stone carvers and blacksmiths at work, as well as taking part in activities such as pottery and leatherworking.

Local brewer Ferry Ales Brewery has created a unique blend produced especially for the Lincolnshire Showground called Harvest Gold to celebrate the 150^th birthday of the charity.

The exclusive ale features citrus flavours with a pleasant floral, herbal and earthy aroma and will be available at Countryside Lincs, as well as other Lincolnshire Showground events, various events in the county and a selection of local pubs and independent shops.

Rosie added: “As we’re celebrating the 150^th birthday of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society this year, we’ve ensured that our core value of educating the next generation on the importance of agriculture, farming and where their food comes from is at the heart of Countryside Lincs. The day is always designed with these values in mind, and this year’s expanded offering adds to the already packed out schedule of educational and entertaining activities suitable for the whole family.”

The one-day event will also offer a range of activities including meeting farmyard animals big and small, trying a range of locally-produced foods and getting a taste of farm life with tractor rides and exhibitions, including the return of the popular Sheep Roadshow.

Tickets are now on sale for the event which is open from 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday 14 April at the Lincolnshire Showground, packed with a huge variety of indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family to make, bake, and explore.

Advanced tickets are priced at just £18 for a family or four, £7 for adults, £4 for children and under 5’s are free.

For more information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/countryside-lincs