New two-day format, record-breaking momentum, and strong sponsor support for this year’s headline Valais event
The ever-popular Blacknose Beauties National Show & Sale returns to H&H Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd August 2025, promising two full days of top-tier competition, expert grading, and vibrant community celebration.
This year introduces a new two-day format, with grading and showing now taking place across both Friday and Saturday, a change aimed at enhancing the experience for exhibitors and spectators alike. The event remains the standout highlight of the Valais Blacknose Society (VBS) calendar, drawing breeders and visitors from across the UK and around the world.
The Society is proud to confirm Caisley Eartag Ltd and SCCL as the mainline sponsors for 2025. Their generous support helps ensure that Blacknose Beauties continues to grow in scale, professionalism, and profile.
Last year’s show was a true showcase of quality and passion within the Valais Blacknose community. Mr & Mrs Tom and Joan Blackwood of the Ayrshire Flock claimed top honours, with their exceptional two-year-old ram Kinneff Jacobsen awarded both Overall Supreme Champion and Male Champion. Reserve Supreme Champion and Reserve Male Champion went to Deepdale Luca, a standout ram lamb exhibited by Mrs Heather Adams of the Deepdale Flock. In the female classes, Ayrshire Ingrid, a three-year-old ewe from the Ayrshire Flock, earned Overall Female Champion, a remarkable achievement marking her as the first UK Valais to be awarded Maximum Points three years in a row. Reserve Female Champion was awarded to Deepdale Lotta, a ewe lamb and twin to Deepdale Luca, also exhibited by Mrs Adams.
The 2024 sale also set multiple breed records, with Ayrshire Ingrid setting a new female and overall record at an astonishing 30,000gns. Deepdale Luca, set a ram lamb record at 22,000gns. Other highlights included 20,000gns for Lacock Karter and 19,000gns for Deepdale Lookout, underscoring strong demand for top-quality Valais Blacknose stock.
For 2025, sheep will again be graded using the official Swiss points-based system, overseen by an expert international panel: Pascal Dini and Philipp Schmid of Switzerland, alongside UK graders Gerallt Jones and Heather Adams.
This year’s event will feature a charity auction and raffle on Friday evening, offering a fantastic selection of lots generously donated by members and supporters. A highlight will be a trip to Switzerland, including a stay at the renowned Julen Hotel in Zermatt, with proceeds going to The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), which works closely with partners in the industry to engage, educate, and communicate strong and relatable farm safety messages.
Looking ahead, VBS Chairman Raymond Irvine reflected on the show’s continued importance:
“Last year was a landmark for Blacknose Beauties, record entries, record prices, and record enthusiasm. While Bluetongue restrictions have brought significant challenges for the livestock industry this year, we’re proud to be going ahead with our flagship event and to have supported members with additional opportunities throughout the season. With the new two-day format and outstanding support from our sponsors Caisley Eartag Ltd and SCCL, we’re looking forward to an even more dynamic show in 2025. It’s a true celebration of everything that makes the Valais Blacknose community so special.”
Notes for Editors
• Event: Blacknose Beauties National Show & Sale
• Dates: Friday 22nd – Saturday 23rd August 2025
• Venue: H&H Borderway Mart, Carlisle, CA1 2RS
• Format: Grading and showing across both days
• Sale: Saturday afternoon (live & online)
• Mainline Sponsors: Caisley Eartag Ltd and SCCL
About the Valais Blacknose Breed
Originating in the Swiss canton of Valais, the Blacknose sheep are prized for their distinctive appearance, gentle nature, and robust build. Their numbers continue to grow in the UK, where they are loved by breeders and smallholders alike. Read more here.
About the Valais Blacknose Society
The Valais Blacknose Society (VBS) was founded in 2021 to represent and support UK and Irish breeders. The Society maintains the national flock book and works to preserve breed standards, promote education, and support events across the country. Read more here.
Media Contact
For further information, interviews, or press enquiries, please contact:
📧 shows@valaisblacknosesociety.co.uk
🌐 www.valaisblacknosesociety.co.uk
High-resolution images and additional background material available on request
Overall Supreme & Male Champion: Kinneff Jacobsen – Tom & Joan Blackwood, Ayrshire Valais Blacknose
Female Champion & Sale Topper at 30,000gns: Ayrshire Ingrid – Tom & Joan Blackwood, Ayrshire Valais Blacknose
