Makers, bakers and growers urged to register their interest for the county show as deadline day approaches

Home bakers, crafters and amateur gardeners are being warned that time is running out if they want to put the fruits of their labour to the test at this year’s Nottinghamshire County Show.

Organisers of the event says that anybody who has yet to enter its Make, Bake and Grow section should put their name down now, because the window for entries will close on April 20.

The show takes place at the Newark Showground on May 13 and organisers are hoping for a bumper line-up of creations, from cakes to chutneys and artwork to homegrown veg, in the Make, Bake and Grow section, which has been relaunched for 2023.

There are 52 classes in total, including classes for the best Victoria sandwich, coffee and walnut cake and cherry scones, the best marmalades, jams and chutneys and the best eggs.

There is also a children’s section which is looking for the best decorated cup-cakes, a collage of a butterfly and best-looking cress head, as well as two special Eurovision classes, looking for the best song lyrics and the best Eurovision costume.

Gardeners, meanwhile, will be vying for a cash prize and a rosette for the county’s best asparagus, rhubarb, new potatoes and salad leaves.

While entrants will be required to take their produce and creations into the show first thing on the day, the show’s organisers need them to enter ahead of time so that they can prepare the judges and create space for the numbers and variety of entries on the day.

Elizabeth Halsall, organiser of the Nottinghamshire County Show, said: “The county show was set up to showcase the best of the countryside and the rural crafts, garden produce and kitchen fare in our Make, Bake and Grow section are an important part of the event.

“It’s very important that nobody misses the cut-off point for registering, which is on April 20. Having 52 classes to co-ordinate is a big task and so we need to know in advance how much space we’ll require.

“We’d urge anybody to have a go, whether they’re a beginner or they’re more experienced. It’s all about having fun and getting involved, and they might easily go home with a rosette at the end of the day.”

The county show dates back to the 19th Century and brings together the agricultural and rural community in Nottinghamshire as well in neighbouring counties for the one-day event, alongside thousands of families and visitors.

Elsewhere on the day, the Young Farmers Association will be holding its madcap lawnmower race, there will be an appearance from the Red Barrows wheelbarrow display team, as well as a dog show and a parade of vintage tractors.

The day will also involve music, food and drink stalls and trade stands, alongside the traditional equine competitions and a chance to get up close and personal to a host of animals, including alpacas and miniature donkeys, with White Post Farm also bringing reptiles, goats and sheep for children to visit.

The county show has also attracted a bumper crop of entrants to its livestock competition, with double the number of sheep entered compared to last year and a 70% increase in the number of cattle.

The cost to enter a class is £2 for the first entry and £1 for the second, and advanced tickets for the show are also now on sale costing £11 - although all children aged 16 and under are free of charge.

To find out more about how to enter the Make, Bake and Grow classes or to buy tickets visit www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com