Britain’s top competition ploughmen will be ploughing their way back to Kent this autumn when the county will host this year’s British National Ploughing Championships. The two day event will take place on land at Marden, near Tonbridge on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October.
The highlight of the country’s ploughing calendar, the Championships is one of the few agricultural events which are held in a different part of the country each year and is being held in Kent courtesy of landowner P J Burke and family.
Over 200 acres will be home for the weekend to more than 250 ploughmen and women who will travel from all over Britain, and will include past World and European champions. At stake are the British National Ploughing Championship titles for the ultimate winners and ploughmen will be selected to represent England in international competitions the following year.
The two days will see competitions for many different styles of ploughing from the graceful and magnificent horse ploughing of bygone years, many types of vintage tractors through to today’s sophisticated tractors and ploughs. But you don’t have to be interested in ploughing to enjoy a family day out – giant steam engines, trade stands, shopping and crafts stalls add to the countryside feel.
The organisers are expecting an exceptional crowd over the two days and many local and national companies are supporting the Championships by demonstrating machinery, exhibiting with trade stands or providing sponsorship. Executive Director of the Society of Ploughmen, Ken Chappell, said “We held one of our most successful events here in Marden back in 2008, so the Championships are attracting lots of attention. There is tremendous interest and support in the area and clearly the decision to come back to Kent was a good one!”
Main sponsors this year are Bridgestone/Firestone and further sponsorship is provided by Agrii, BTF Partnership, Cheffins, Hadlow College, Watson Fuel and Wessex Agri. Further information can be found on www.ploughmen.co.uk or from the Society of Ploughmen on 01302 852469 and you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
