The judging panel has started its deliberations ahead of the 2018 National Pig Awards and we’ve signed up one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters for the ceremony. The 2018 National Pig Awards is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet.
Entries for the fifth edition of the Awards have now closed, and with judging having started last week, the competition is very strong again this year – the winners will truly be the best in the UK pig industry.
The finalists, all of whom receive two free tickets to the gala dinner on Monday, November 19, at the London Lancaster Hotel, will be announced in our September issue, and the winners revealed on the night. Last year’s ceremony was attended by almost 400 pig sector representatives, with £4,170 was raised for the Farming Community Network charity on the night.
Stewart Houston, the chairman of judges, was very impressed with standard of the entries received last year, and is expecting more of the same this year.
“Well, the National Pig Awards are here again and the illustrious team of judges is raring to go,” he said. “The Awards are a benchmark for industry progress and we’ve had a good response to the call for entries. This year’s entries will have to be going some to beat the excellent quality we had last year.
“I’m particularly looking for strong entries for Young Pig Farmer and Trainee of the Year categories. These entries signpost the future of our industry, in terms of good practice, improved standards and commercial results.
“The judges will be busy reviewing a long list of entries and, as we did last year, responsibility for each category will be shared between the team and finalists will be interviewed or visited so that we can stand by our decisions come November’s Awards ceremony. Wish us luck, because we have a difficult task ahead.”
To compère the night, we have secured the services of Andrew Castle (pictured), one of the most experienced live broadcasters in the UK. After retiring from professional tennis in 1992, the former men’s singles UK number one has gone on to work with the UK’s most respected broadcasting companies including Sky, the BBC, ITV, Smooth Radio and LBC.
He currently hosts LBC’s weekend drivetime show covering a range of the major stories.
Andrew began his broadcast career as a commentator and broadcaster for Sky before joining GMTV in 2000 for 10 years. He is also a member of the BAFTA-nominated BBC tennis team and has led the commentary on the last 16 Wimbledon finals.
On top of his many broadcast credentials, Andrew is also a seasoned after dinner speaker and award show host. He still plays tennis to a high standard and regularly appears in the Men’s Senior Championships at Wimbledon.
Tickets and tables for the drinks reception, dinner and Awards are now available for £175 +VAT or £1,595 +VAT for a table of 10. Prices include a three-course gala dinner and half a bottle of wine per person.
National Pig Awards 2018
When: Monday, November 19
Where: Lancaster London hotel
Tickets: £175 +VAT or £1,595 +VAT for a table of 10
Download an order form for your National Pig Awards tickets at www.nationalpigawards.co.uk/the-event/