BELLINGEN Show has an exciting new event launching this year – Fashions Off The Field.
The Show already boasts an impressive lineup with everything from agricultural competitions to pavilion exhibits and entertainment.
Running from 9-10 May, the event attracts an average crowd greater than 4000.
There is added anticipation this year as last year’s event was cancelled due to waterlogged site conditions.
Now organisers are hoping to attract and delight audiences with fashion-forward ensembles that promise to transform the arena into a stage of elegance, creativity and flair.
News Of The Area spoke with the Show’s Horse Coordinator and Ring Master Elaine Leader, who has been running the horse events at the Show for 34 years, and was formerly the Chief Instructor of the Bellingen Pony Club.
“The event is inspired by the glamour of traditional fashion competitions and shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked duo: the horse and handler,” she said.
“We are hoping to draw strong interest across the three sections: Ladies, Gentlemen and Children under 18 years.”
There are dress rules entrants will need to take into consideration, including original and appropriate styling (racing carnival); millinery (hats and fascinators) is encouraged, and the elements of the outfit should complement the horse.
The event is sponsored by Agri Assist Support Services.
No led workout will be conducted, during the horse scoring phases the horse will be presented to the judges for viewing.
This year’s judges are Leonard and Abby Partridge and Eden Lochhead from the New England region.
Cash prizes will be awarded alongside sashes for each of the three sections.
Competitors will enter the competition at the Show Horse Office on the day.
For those interested in learning more, classes are outlined in the Horse Schedule available at Horseland Norco and on the Bellingen Show website.
For keen audiences the competitors are due to parade before the grandstands during the Grand Parade, at 2.30pm Saturday 9 May.
By Jessica MILLER
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