history of the show
RUNNING SINCE 1835
RUNNING SINCE 1835
over 185 years of animals, volunteers and prizes
over 185 years of animals, volunteers and prizes
Kilmacolm Show was established in 1835 and is a registered charity.
Since 1835, the Show has only been cancelled on a handful of occasions: during the wars, due to foot and mouth disease and during Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
The first known accounts of the show are from 1842 and state that there were 20 classes and that the income for that year was £21.3.0.
1894 - Earliest record of Industrial classes with 3 classes: 2 classes for oatmeal biscuits and a butter class
1897 - Band hired and that was the start of the entertainment
Since 1835, the Show has only been cancelled on a handful of occasions: during the wars, due to foot and mouth disease and during Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
The first known accounts of the show are from 1842 and state that there were 20 classes and that the income for that year was £21.3.0.
Cattle, Sheep and Horses have always been a feature of the show. The Industrial Section was first recorded in the schedule in 1894 and the dog section arrived in 1923. The light horse events have varied over the years; from the 'Trot Race', 'The Leaping Competition' to the more modern classes of Hunters and Jumping. The Clydesdales were a huge feature in the show until the 1950's, when the Internal Combustion Engine made them almost obselete. In 1950 there were 17 Clydesdale Classes; due to a revival in the interest in Clydesdales, there are now 8 classes which are extremely popular with the public and competitors.
1894 - Earliest record of Industrial classes with 3 classes: 2 classes for oatmeal biscuits and a butter class
1897 - Band hired and that was the start of the entertainment
1906 - Unplanned Entertainment when the tug of war ended in a dispute between players in which the spectators joined - the event was abandoned
1923 - Dog Section appeared for the first time
1935 - Light Horse classes introduced - Hunter class and 2 kids’ classes.
1953 - Show moved to the Knapps and has been there since. Previous locations were: The Glebe Field, various locations in Port Glasgow, where ‘Clovelly’ stands, Lawpark, Planetreeyetts, Pacemuir, near St Columba’s School
1958 - Stall holder banned for selling indecent objects
1975 - Prize Draw started
1935 - Light Horse classes introduced - Hunter class and 2 kids’ classes.
1953 - Show moved to the Knapps and has been there since. Previous locations were: The Glebe Field, various locations in Port Glasgow, where ‘Clovelly’ stands, Lawpark, Planetreeyetts, Pacemuir, near St Columba’s School
1958 - Stall holder banned for selling indecent objects
1975 - Prize Draw started
In 1985, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Show, a booklet was printed which outlined the history of the Society and Show. The booklet also contained some wonderful photographs, a selection of which are on this page.
