ENTRIES close soon for the annual Wivey Show, now in its 110th year, which returns to Wiveliscombe Recreation Ground on August 15.

This year, for the first time, a free vintage bus park and ride service will be operated to ease congestion in the town, running from the Sandys Moor roundabout, with parking available near the Enterprise Centre, in Station Road.

The show runs from 12 noon to 5 pm with exhibition tents, side shows and stalls, children’s competitions and activities, free skateboarding taster sessions, and a food court, and teas in neighbouring Wiveliscombe Rugby Club.

Musical entertainment comes from Wivelele, Wiveliscombe Town Band, Wiveliscombe Community Wind Band, High Park Community Music Project, and folk duo Fickle Friends, who debuted last year, will be joined by drumming group In the Styx.

Show chairman Kirsty Boutflower said: “It is our 110th year and after digging through our archives, we discovered a large number of original schedules from the early days, so these will be on display together with photos.

“We have also produced a ‘Book of Memories’ and are hoping those with fond memories of the show over the years will write in it and preserve them for future years.

“It is such an important part of the community and last year we made a really good profit which meant we were able to give money back into the town in the form of donations to the rec, St Andrew’s Church, rugby club, swimming pool and 10 Radio, all of whom have been so instrumental to our continued success.

“We are hoping this year we will raise even more and spread the money further to other local good causes.

“As before, we could not run this event without support from Jon and Millie Coward, at the Bear, and are hugely indebted to them for their generous sponsorship.

“We are also grateful to all those local businesses who advertise in the programme as it really shows what a community-orientated town Wiveliscombe is.”

KG Full Group Ltd, which has purchased Jones Garage, has stepped in to sponsor the children’s section after IHTC moved away from the area.

A KG spokesperson said: “Wiveliscombe has really welcomed us and so we are delighted to be able to support a community event such as Wivey Show, especially as this encourages all the family to come and enjoy a day out.”

Entries, which are free via the show website or bright yellow schedules available across the town as well as in local garden centres and shops in Wellington, close on August 9.

Show admission is via numbered programmes, which will be on sale on the gate, with a £50 cash prize for one number, and which contain a quiz to win dinner for two at William Sitwell’s White Hart Inn.

A £35 book token for Chocolate Books can also be won by spotting show mascot Wandering Wanda in the programme.

Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed on the recreation ground.