ORGANISERS are putting the finishing touches to preparations for one of Inverclyde's most popular annual outdoor events. 

The Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society Show 2024 will take place at The Knapps in Kilmacolm on Saturday May 11. 

Now in its 189th year, the event sees thousands of people visit the 15-20 acre scenic site to celebrate agriculture, outdoor sports, animals, arts and crafts, baking, and community spirit. 

Some of the busiest years have attracted 5,000 visitors and this year, the committee are hoping to see even more people from all over Inverclyde and beyond supporting the event on the day. 

Councillor David Wilson has been supporting the event for almost 40 years. 

He said: "This will be my 37th year attending the show and I'm really looking forward to being there again. 

"It's definitely a high point in the rural calendar and it attracts people from both Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. 

"I love going along and meeting people and like to see the judging of the animals, particularly the Clydesdales and the sheep. 

"It's a fantastic community event for people of all ages. 

"I think that it's very significant that it's called the Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society as 100 years ago, there were more farms in Port Glasgow than there were in Kilmacolm."

The show has only been cancelled twice, due to the First World War, and Second World War. 

It was postponed due to outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, and was held virtually during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Director Angus Black has been involved with the society since the late 1980s. 

He said the organisers were faced with a slight issue due to tree planting the one section of The Knapps this year. 

Angus added: "Tree planting is taking place where car parking would normally be but we've managed to rejig the available ground to accommodate everything. 

"We have a full programme of events planned and it will be an entertaining and informative day out for all the family. 

"It will be great to see everyone having a great day out."

Shuttle buses will run from Kilmacolm cross to the site and back from around 9am on event day. 

Families will get the chance to enjoy a wide range of events and activities including the judging of sheep and cattle, and the Thomas Davidson Memorial Cup will be presented to the main winner of the Clydesdale horses class. 

There will be entertainment from St Columba's Pipe Band and the May Hughes School of Dance, and needlework, baking, and arts and crafts competitions in the industrial tent. 

Perfect pooches will get the chance to compete in the dog show, and there will be showjumping demonstrations.

People can browse a range of stalls, and there will be plenty of food stalls and the ever-popular beer tent. 

Fairground rides will keep the youngsters occupied. 

Colin Peacock joined the society as director this year and said he's very excited about the show.

He added: "It's a fantastic family event. 

"The committee work tremendously hard and put a huge amount of effort in every year. 

"I'm looking forward to keeping the tradition of the show going for many years to come."

To find out more visit www.kilmacolmshow.org or email agri@kilmacolmshow.org