Alpacas coming to Royal Bath and West show

11:59am Saturday 10th May 2008

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Alpacas will be on display for all four days of the Royal Bath & West Show this year for the first time.

These fluffy camelids, native to South America, were first introduced to the UK in commercial numbers about 10 years ago, and since then their popularity has grown, so they now number about 20,000.

"Alpacas are fascinating, intelligent animals, and relatively easy to keep," said Di Davies, organiser of the Alpaca Show with the South-West Alpaca Group. "Their fleece is known as the Gold of Inca Kings, it is finer and more durable than cashmere. People are returning to wanting natural fibres rather than man-made and alpaca fibre produces light knitwear which is warm and durable."

Visitors to the Show will be able to see both the Suri breed with long, dreadlocked fur, and the Huacaya, reminiscent of a fluffy teddy bear, says Miss Davies. In total almost 300 alpacas will be on display and competing in the showing and fleece classes.

"Alpacas continue to be a huge growth industry in the UK and as their numbers grow the fibre becomes more viable for production. There is also huge growth in Europe so exports of real quality alpacas are thriving."

Armitage Livestock Insurance is sponsoring the alpaca classes, which will be judged by Australian Dominic Lane in the Suri section; international British judge Val Fullerlove in the Huacaya section; and Liz Barlow in the fleece section.

After enjoying the showing classes and seeing the alpacas up close, visitors to the Show can browse the numerous trade stands and maybe buy an alpaca scarf, poncho or jumper to take home for those cool summer evenings.

For full details of the show, which will be held from May 28-31, visit www.bathandwest.com or ring the Bath & West Showground on 01749 822 200. Advanced saver tickets are available on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222, and are priced at £17 for adults, or £15 for senior citizens and concessions. Each adult saver ticket (advance tickets) allows two children aged 15 and under into the show for free. Prices on the gate are £20 for adults, £18 for senior citizens and concessions, and £6 for children.

• The Royal Bath & West Show is run by the Royal Bath & West of England Society, a registered charity founded in 1777 by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack. The Society was formed with the aims of encouraging agriculture, arts, manufacture and commerce. Its charitable activities include agriculture, veterinary, educational and art scholarships; technical events and seminars; and practical farming advice and conferences.

• The Royal Bath & West Show, which first started in 1777, offers four days of exciting, educational and fun-filled activities for all the family. Visitors can see the best of farm animal breeds, canoe on the showgrounds lake, drive a 4x4 off-road, and watch top-class show jumping or the Crufts-qualifier dog show.

• The huge variety of trade stands offer a tremendous opportunity to shop for local or exotic items, while the packed food halls will tickle visitors tastebuds with wonderful local produce. For the first time this year the Show will be hosting a fashion show, judged by Jeff Banks. With falconry, classic cars, heavy horses, wild wolves, steam engines, rural crafts, art show, floral marquee, and much, much more, the Show has something for everyone, to ensure a great day out.