Pigeons, pigeons everywhere

On this, the 4th Sunday of January 2017, Blackpool held the 40th Annual Homing Pigeon show at the Winter Gardens, and I was fortunate to be one of the interested spectators.

So, what is this show about? Well, there is a community of people who rear pigeons with the object of entering them into one of the following two pigeon sports: Show pigeons or Racing pigeons. The activities are organised under the aegis of the Royal Racing Pigeon society. Pigeons are raced from April to September, but they are groomed for the Pigeon shows that culminate in the Annual show that is held in January each year. This year, it was the turn of Blackpool to hold the show.

Winter Gardens was absolutely buzzing with people when I reached there around 11:00 a.m. The main awards ceremony was almost getting finished in the huge ballroom, but the ongoing trade exhibition was completely interesting. I had purchased a ticket for the show, and at the end of it, I felt that the ­­£6 ticket had been well worth it. 

First, the trade exhibition: there were literally hundreds of stalls selling pigeons, pigeon feed, pigeon homes, racks, and what have you. There were specialised pigeon pharmacies, and also a vaccination stall to sell paramyxovirus vaccine for pigeons. 

One of the big companies that are in the business

A stall selling pigeons

Trade exhibition with customers

Detailed pedigree of a pigeon

More details of the dad and mum

Still more details of grandparents of the pigeon

Now, a bit about the actual show. The show pigeons are put into different classes, with Class 1 being the most expensive ones, and then it goes down right to Class 38. These pigeons were all displayed in 38 long rows inside the huge ballroom. There was a stage at the far end where prizes were declared for the best pigeons from among those entered for the competition. 

Here are some pictures of the activities in the ballroom.

The ballroom from the first-floor balcony

Another view

The stage, now empty

Another view of the stage

A show pigeon from a top class

A prize winner

Another view of the prize-winning pigeon

Finally, I would like to name a duo that are partners in this hobby for a long time. They are Alex Wallace and Tanny Ferguson. Alex has been doing this show since the show since its inception, viz since 40 years. Here is a picture of this amazing duo.

After the exhibition, I went to the adjoining bar where, over a light drink, I had fun listening to a pair of singer-musicians belting out some music. It was a well-spent morning indeed.