The older of the two remaining agricultural societies in the county, the Wigtown Agricultural Society
was founded in 1811 with the first show held in 1813.
Although
the present date for the show is always the first Wednesday in August, the 1813 show was held on a Friday and other shows
have been held on a Tuesday, a Thursday and a Saturday. The venue also varied in the early years - for example, the 1862 show
was held in Whithorn.
Despite the outbreak of World
War I, the Wigtown Show was held between 1914 and 1917, raising £414 for the war effort. The Government then ordered
that all local shows be cancelled for the remainder of the war.
1922 saw the first trade stands introduced together with classes for Friesian cattle. However, the only refreshments
available were in the tea tent - the committee refused a caterer’s request for permission to sell beers and wines!
By 1923, Clydesdales formed the largest of all sections when 33 filly
foals were entered, but only three Ayrshire cows.
In
1925, admission tickets were introduced.
By 1939, changes
in farming were reflected in smaller Clydesdale entries. Classes for Aberdeen Angus cattle were included, whilst Border Leicesters
formed the strongest sheep classes.
Changes in farming
trends were reflected when the show resumed after the Second World War with a swing to dairy farming in south-west Scotland.
This was reflected in a large entry of Ayrshire cattle. That year, native Galloways also came into their own and the new Blackface
Sheep section proved successful beyond the hopes of sponsors of this category.
Wigtown Show has also welcomed many famous celebrity guests of honour over the years including former Scotland Manager
Ally McLeod in 1978, TV personality Isla St Clair in 1979, actress Diana Dors in 1981, former Dr Who and Worzel Gummidge,
John Pertwee in 1982 and TV and radio personality, Noel Edmonds the following year.
1981 saw the official opening of the Society’s new office and lounge complex built at Bladnoch Park at a cost
of £10,000.
