Revived city show looking for 'rudest vegetable'
SuppliedA show looking to find a city's longest carrot, heaviest apple and "rudest vegetable or vegetable disaster" is back after 25 years.
The City of Durham Show returns in September with organisers hoping it will bring people together.
It had been running for at least 60 years before coming to an end in 2000.
Organiser Benedict Douglas said there had been "enthusiasm" in the community about bringing the show back, with somewhere between 1,000 and 4,000 visitors expected.
The Durham University lecturer added it was not clear why the event had stopped.
"Society became perhaps a bit more individualistic," he said.
"We were able to do things more individually rather than collectively and I think perhaps the tide is turning against that and perhaps with the loneliness of the pandemic and things like that we realised how important it is to come together and do things together."
'Back for new generation'
Aside from celebrating fruits and vegetables, the event will also spotlight flowers and pot plants, while other categories will recognise crafters, bakers, young exhibitors and other produce, such as jam.
Pets will also get a chance to shine at a dog show.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, chair of the Parish Council's Business Committee, said the show would help bring more visitors to the city and support local businesses.
"This much-loved event was once a highlight of the city's calendar, and it is wonderful to see a dedicated team of local residents bringing it back to life for a new generation," she said.
"Events like this give people the opportunity to come together, showcase their skills, share their passions and celebrate everything that makes Durham such a special place to live, work and visit".
There are hopes the revival will be permanent and the event will be an annual fixture once again.
"That's certainly the intention that we have for it, that it will be become an annual thing and we hope that it will grow in enthusiasm and participation as the years go on," Douglas added.
