The final countdown is on to this year’s Neilston Agricultural Show with organisers promising a fun-filled family day out for everyone.

In keeping with annual tradition, the event, which is one of the earliest shows in the farming calendar, will take place on the first Saturday of the month, which this year falls on May 6.

There will be a variety of things to see and do throughout the day including sheepdog trials, Clydesdale horses, horse and pony jumping, show jumping, the dog show, pet show, Pad Race, a 60-metre education dome, homecraft, tug “o” war, schools competitions and vintage tractors.

New for 2023, this year’s headline act in the main ring will be Dangerous Steve, who told the Barrhead News he is “very much looking forward to coming up to Scotland next week” with his quad and motorbike stunt display, which also involves chainsaws and giant unicycles.

Barrhead News: Dangerous Steve's stunt display is a new addition for 2023Dangerous Steve's stunt display is a new addition for 2023 (Image: Carl Wiles Photography)

This year's event will continue nearly 200 years of history since the show’s beginnings in the early 19th century.

Last May it made a triumphant return after the disruption of the Covid 19 pandemic with around 5,000 people turning up to the shindig.

Barrhead News: The Neilston Show made a triumphant return last yearThe Neilston Show made a triumphant return last year (Image: Newsquest)

Looking ahead to this year’s show, in an online post, Jean Mackay Parker, Neilston Agricultural Society’s president, said: “After the honour of receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at last year's show, this year our great day out coincides with the King's Coronation, and you may notice a slight theme around the show to commemorate the day.

“Our educational dome tent has grown again this year with new exciting exhibits, including a new crook making competition, displaying fantastic craftsmanship.

"There are a full range of field to fork displays, with over 30 exhibitors in the tent, from Ayrshire Bees to Shetland Ponies, and the ever popular sheep shearing, a great chance to see a farming skill which cannot be done by machine.

“The main ring hosts the judging of cattle, sheep and Clydesdale Horses.

“The light horse area has competitions for a range of equine types, with levels of showjumping to test competitors of all ages.

“We all hope for a dry day to attract a good number of high quality competitors throughout the show.”

Barrhead News: The event promises to be a fun-filled day for all the familyThe event promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family (Image: Newsquest)

The Educational Dome is a free attraction for youngsters of all ages to enjoy the exhibitions, which year will also include Mabel the milking cow, alpacas, guinea pigs and more.

There will be a new kids craft tent for younger children at no cost with face painting, colouring in and Mr B Loon, a balloon modeler.

The craft and homecraft tents, meanwhile, will display the talents of local people.

In the afternoon, people can join in and support their local school team in relay races and tug “o” war competitions.

West Ren Young Farmers Club will be running an open tug of war competition this year with a chance to win £100.

Barrhead News: The Pad Race is a highlight for manyThe Pad Race is a highlight for many (Image: Newsquest)

Popular running event The Pad Race will also be making a welcome return.

Like previous events, this year’s 4.5-mile course will have a little bit of everything – roads, paths, trails and a splattering of mud.

The run starts from the Neilston Show Field at 10am on the day and will circle the iconic Neilston Pad.

A scarecrow competition will also be taking place, with a coronation-day theme and cash prizes on offer.

There is no need to enter, those keen to take part are just asked to bring their scarecrow along on the Friday between 4pm and 6pm or before 10am on show day.

Finally, there will also be a new layout of catering vans, and a covered seated area for visitors to have a break and enjoy the show, while having lunch or a coffee.

Barrhead News: Pipers marching through the village as part of 2022's eventPipers marching through the village as part of 2022's event (Image: Newsquest)

In her post, Jean added: “We could not run Neilston Show without the involvement and support of the local community and businesses.

“We are particularly indebted to the Crawford, Docherty, Murdoch and Muir families for the use of their fields for the main show, sheepdog trials, horse section and car parking.

“My thanks must also go to all of the society directors and many volunteers who willingly give up their time to make the show success each year, and to all our sponsors for their invaluable support.”

To find out more about the day’s schedule visit neilstonshow.co.uk/ or facebook.com/neilstonagriculturalshow.