Liskeard & District Primestock Show 2023

There is to be a historic dual event combining the 102nd Liskeard and District Primestock Show and the official opening of the new Work shed in the Liskeard on October 28.

The Primestock Show is the first of four in Cornwall and the entries for the cattle and sheep classes will be of an outstanding quality. 

The Primestock Show is an important event on the agricultural calendar as it will establish the best stock in the county. 

Jane Pascoe, past president of the Primestock Show, said: “Our South East Cornwall farmers can boast they have champion animals who have been winning trophies at shows across the country this year.  

“To demonstrate the importance to the local economy it is fitting to acknowledge the huge contribution the farmers in the hinterland of Liskeard make to our community, by combining the Primestock Show with the opening of the Work Shed by the Chairman of Cornwall Council. 

“Farming is a tough and perilous occupation, sometimes working in isolation to provide the food on our table each day. The Primestock Show is an excellent platform for farmers to gather to show case their livestock and produce in the town. It will also be a time to share their problems and concerns about the increasing costs and demands in the industry”

President of the show, Stephanie Rowe, added: “It is an honour to be the president for the 102nd year of the Primestock Show. It promises to be an interesting day packed full of activity and we are delighted to be in the centre of town for the 102nd Show. The committee were delighted and grateful that Cornwall Council have allowed the use the Workshed for the home craft and community competition exhibits and the Market Canopy for the forage and vegetables alongside various market stalls. What better venue than their beloved historic market site which has been the heart of the industry for many farming generations.”

The Workshed will be officially opened by the chairman of Cornwall Council councillor Pauline Giles who will also be taking an interest in the Primestock Show exhibits, and it is hoped that the historic Market Bell will play a part on the day.  

From 12.20pm until 1pm there will be the Crying of the Neck ceremony, an ancient ritual, staged by Jim Moon and the Old Cornwall Society. The Melody Liskerret Choir will also be joining in singing Cornish songs, Trelawney and Cornwall My Home.

 The show will have a Hallowe’en theme and anyone of any age is encouraged to bring along a carved pumpkin to enter in the competition. It can be scary, toothless or just plain friendly.

Schedules for all the classes are available from the WorkShed or The Primestock Show Facebook or for enquiries email [email protected]. Entries are all free and all exhibits are welcome. 

Visitors are encouraged to look out for the “A Curiosity Class”. 

Cllr Pascoe continued: “Bring along something of interest that has been found on a beach,  in a field, by a metal detector, in a draw, under the floorboards absolutely anything interesting found anywhere. Whilst attending the event we are hoping that you will visit the shops in the town centre and look out for their decorated Halloween themed windows especially for the event today. We thank them for supporting the community all year round, always there for us even in difficult times.” 

10.00am - Market stalls in market canopy

10.30am - Sheep and cattle judging commences in the top of the market site

10.30am - Forage, grain roots, potatoes, carved pumpkins in the market canopy

10.30am - Viewing of the country home craft and community competition exhibits in the WorkShed. 12.30pm - Melody Liskerret Choir

12.30pm - Old Cornwall Society Crying the Neck

2.00pm - Official opening of the Work Shed Chairman of Cornwall Council Councillor Pauline Giles

3.00pm  - Prize giving and cup presentation in the Work Shed.

Liskeard Workshed, a new landmark workspace built on the site of the former Cattle Market in the centre of the town will be officially opened for business on the same day as the Primestock Show. 

Part of a wider £5.2-million regeneration project to transform the whole of this significant location in the heart of Liskeard, the newly created workspace is said to support around 33 new jobs and add £1.2-million a year to the local economy. 

It has been delivered with investment from the European Regional Development Fund, the Local Growth Fund and match-funding from Cornwall Council.  

The purpose-built hub, which provides dedicated office, workshop and co-working space as well as lettable units, is primarily designed to accommodate businesses from the growing creative and digital sectors.  

 The project has also delivered a new market canopy next to the site for community events and markets featuring local stallholders.  

The local community helped inform the Workshed’s eye-catching design which makes best use of the available space whilst honouring the site’s history, including through a community planning event, known as a charrette.   

Darren Nock from Replan, Architectural Services said: “I have been looking forward to moving into The Workshed ever since I heard that it gained planning permission back in 2020. I can honestly say that it has not disappointed. I have had one of my best months since I started trading five years ago and I am very hopeful that my business will go from strength to strength in this inclusive, vibrant and highly motivational space. I am very excited for the future.” 

Brandon Van Blerk, head of growth at training and development company Alchemist said: “The Workshed Liskeard is an absolute gem and a beautiful place to work!  

“Dan, the manager, leads with unparalleled passion and expertise, creating an inviting space where quality and exceptional service converge seamlessly.” 

Cllr Nick Craker, Cornwall councillor for Liskeard Central, added: “After years in the consultation, planning, design, and build, it’s good news that the Workshed is finally open for business. This has been a very long project that has had to evolve over time. It will mean different things to different people. Whether it be for the small business looking for a dedicated office space in the heart of a town centre, an individual worker looking for a hot desk or for the community to come together under the covered events area outside. The Workshed represents a significant project for Liskeard, as the town begins its next chapter.”  

Cllr Jane Pascoe, Cornwall Councillor for Liskeard South and Dobwalls, continued: “All the partners involved in the project are looking forward to welcoming the local community to the brand-new facility at an official opening which has been timed to take place to coincide with Liskeard’s Prime Stock Show on October  28 2023.  

“The Prime Stock Show is a major event in the local calendar when the town will be buzzing with activity, so it seems fitting to celebrate the new lease of life given to the old Liskeard Cattle Market site by celebrating its official opening with the community alongside this well-loved event. 

   “The official opening promises to be a community celebration of the new facilities replicating the buzz and trade that the market used to provide, with the aim of maintaining and creating reasons for people and businesses to want to come to the town centre and use other local businesses too.” 

The community opening event will also be an opportunity to update residents and businesses on other schemes in the former cattle market and associated car park including the potential bus facilities to relieve pressure on Barras Street, expansion of the doctors’ surgery and new council offices.  As well as these specific projects, stakeholders have said that retained parking on the site is important and this remains a key objective, as does preserving access arrangements to adjoining properties. 

Find out more about the Liskeard Workshed www.liskeardworkshed.co.uk