A PROUD 178-year association between the Cheshire Agricultural Society and Robinsons Brewery will continue at this year’s inaugural Royal Cheshire County Show.

Robinsons Brewery has once again signed up to be a principal partner of the show and has elected to sponsor the popular Shire Horse section at the event that takes place on June 21 and 22 at Tabley Showground.

Visitors will have ample opportunity to see the best Shire horses in the UK compete inside the Robinsons Brewery Shire and Heavy Horse Ring, located opposite the Roberts Bakery Food Halls, on both days of the event.

John Robinson of Robinsons Brewery said: “The Shires are very much a part of Robinsons history.

“Hopnik and Wizard are the latest in a long line of Shire horses which, apart from a brief interruption during World War I when most horses were sold for war duties, have served Robinsons Brewery for over 100 years.

“Without Shire horses, we would not be where we are today.

“Both the Cheshire Agricultural Society and Robinsons were founded in 1838 and we have been supporting one another pretty much since the beginning.

“The Show itself attracts thousands of visitors not just from the north west, which is our heartland where we have 300 Robinsons pubs, but from the whole country.

“It is an ideal opportunity to support a very popular local show which is close to our hearts.”

Nigel Evans, Royal Cheshire County executive director, added: “We are pleased to announce that the link between the Show and Robinsons will continue in 2016.

“Robinsons Brewery’s continued support is appreciated – we believe the Shire Horse section is a natural fit with the Robinsons brand and ethos.”

Visitors will also have the chance to sample brews and purchase take-home gift packs from the Robinsons Brewery Stand inside the Roberts Bakery Food Hall.

The Royal Cheshire County Show will host a HOYS Shire Horse of the Year qualifier for the Shire Horse of the Year Championship to be held at the NEC in Birmingham in October, supported by the Shire Horse Society.

In the Young Handlers Class, for exhibitors aged 21-years and under, the winner of the class will go forward to the final of the Shire Horse Young Handler of the Year Championship to be held at the Midland Shire Foal Society Show and Sale in September.

The closing date for Shire Horse competition entries for this year’s show close on May 13.

For full competition details, please visit the ‘Competitions’ section at the Royal Cheshire County Show website.

The next Royal Cheshire County Show will take place on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22 at Tabley Showground near Knutsford.

Tickets are now available via the Royal Cheshire County Show website royalcheshireshow.org and discounts apply for early purchase.