Burgess Pet Care

The ‘Crufts’ of the small animal world, The Burgess Premier Small Animal Show, marked its newly rebranded 89^th event with an estimated 50 per cent increase in attendance.

Previously the Bradford Championship Show, the recently renamed Burgess Premier Small Animal Show www.smallanimalshow.co.uk is the longest running show of its kind in the UK. Burgess Pet Care, already title sponsors of the show for more than six years, strengthened its partnership with the Bradford Small Livestock Society, organisers of the show, with a five-year support deal for the showcase event.

With Burgess Pet Care’s increased investment into the show, including development of a new brand, new website, new marketing literature and a greater number of attractions and events taking place over the two day event, the show sold out its trade area and doubled public attendance figures, compared to the previous year.

The Yorkshire Event Centre-based show housed the UK’s first Rabbit Grand National within its new Showcase Square, a hub of activity at the show. Swedish competitors flew into Harrogate especially for the event, which saw champion bouncing bunny Cherie and her owner Magdalena Åhsblom take the top spot.

Mr Burgess, president of the show and chairman of Burgess, said: “We are overwhelmed by the sheer success of this year’s show, which has attracted an estimated 50 per cent higher attendance.  We are a company of pet lovers and owners who are committed to making the lives of pets better by encouraging responsible pet ownership. We are avid supporters of the Burgess Premier Small Animal Show as it is a festival for people who are passionate about animals, and as a business it gives us a superb platform to communicate our pet food ranges for small animals, including Excel the UK’s No.1 vet recommended range for fibrevores. We look forward to building on this year’s success at next year’s show, to celebrate 90 years of the Small Animal Show.”

Burgess Pet Care is a small family-owned Yorkshire business which makes high quality food for all small furry pets. Leaders in the field of pet nutrition and care, our products include Burgess Excel, the UK’s number one vet recommended food for small animals, as well as Supadog, Supacat, Supahamster, Suparat, Supagerbil and Supaferret.

For further information about Burgess Pet Care please visit www.burgesspetcare.co.uk

Final preparations are underway for the biggest rabbit jumping attraction, that will see Sweden’s top rabbits and their owners travel to Yorkshire to compete with the UK’s finest rabbit jumpers at the Burgess Premier Small Animal Show, held at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, on 29-30 January 2011.

Rabbit Jumping is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and show organiser, the Bradford Small Livestock Society, is delighted to host such a prestigious event.  The sport originated in Sweden in the late 1970s, following the same rules as horse jumping, and as the sport became more widely recognised, it evolved to become more rabbit friendly.

Rabbits are natural hoppers of course! The current world record for the highest jump was set in 1997 by Danish rabbit Tosen, who jumped almost a metre, and the long jump record was set by another Danish rabbit, Yabo, who hopped an amazing three metres (10ft) in 1999. The Burgess Premier Small Animal Show could be the venue for some more record breaking bunny hops.

Naomi Chatterley, marketing manager at Burgess Pet Care and Small Animal Show sponsor, said: “Because of their natural agility, the rabbit’s love it, and it’s fun for rabbit and owner alike. It’s also helps demonstrate to people who attend the show, or who might be thinking of getting a pet rabbit, just how much exercise and space they do actually need. The rabbit jumping is a fantastic addition to the show and one that is sure to attract a great deal of interest, as the craze has captured the imagination of so many small animal lovers.”

Have you got the Pet Factor?

Alongside the rabbit jumping display there will be many other exciting activities to entertain and excite the crowds visiting the showcase square activity zone at the show. New for 2011, the showcase square is fast becoming the heart of the show, attracting a fantastic line-up of entertainment events and acts throughout the weekend. However, show organisers would still love to hear from anyone who has the ‘Pet Factor’ and would like to be a part of the showcase square line up!

Naomi continued: “Please get in touch if you have a special talent that will leave visitors spellbound. You could be the star of the Burgess Premier Small Animal Show!”

Setting the Stall Out for Success

Increased opportunities for businesses to become involved in the show as trade exhibitors have proved popular, and the event will have a range of stalls including crafts, foods, animal accessories and lots more.

And of course not forgetting the hundreds of small animal breeders who come together, for the competition of the year, to compete to win best in category and the overall award – Best in Show. This year it is set to see over thousands of small animal lovers attend across the two day event. With over 3,000 gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats, it really will be an incredible experience for all the family. Whether you’re looking to compete, trade or just attend the show, it’s a fantastic weekend. It’s a festival for people who are passionate about small animals.

Entry costs start at just £3 for under 16’s and £7 for adults, or alternately you can purchase a family ticket for £18 which admits two adults and up to three under 16’s. To book tickets please visit www.thesmallanimalshow.co.uk and download the booking form.