The 50th anniversary of the British Homing World Show of the Year will be taking place in Blackpool in January 2022.

After holding a virtual event in January 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the show will return to Blackpool’s renowned Winter Gardens on Saturday 15 January and Sunday 16 January.

The event is the largest gathering of pigeon fanciers in the UK, and one of the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting over 15,000 visitors to the town every year.

Across the two days, the main event will be the showing and judging of over 2,000 top racing pigeons that have come from across the UK.

There will also be trade stands, auctions, groups and organisations, and an area for young pigeon fanciers. Whether you are a new member, curious about pigeons or a veteran pigeon fancier, all are welcome.

Dubbed the ‘Crufts of the pigeon world’ the British Homing World Show of the Year has 37 categories that birds will be judged in. Some of the most popular categories include: Best in Show, Best Racing Pigeon and Best Show Racer which culminates in the judging of the Supreme Champion of United Kingdom and Ireland.

Lancashire Telegraph: Rows of pigeons during the British Homing World Show of the Year at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool (Danny Lawson/PA)Rows of pigeons during the British Homing World Show of the Year at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool (Danny Lawson/PA)

The first British Homing World Show of The Year was hosted at the Doncaster Racecourse Complex in 1972 and it has now grown to be a truly important event in the sport.

The 50th anniversary coincides with the opening of the new conference facility at the Winter Gardens which will become the show’s auction centre.

The 50th show is dedicated to the memory of Charlie Perry who died in March 2021. Charlie attended every show from 1973, firstly as a Steward, then as Chief Steward and Member of the Show Committee.

Lancashire Telegraph: Timmy Mawhinney holding his 200 mile category champion racing pigeon (Danny Lawson/PA)Timmy Mawhinney holding his 200 mile category champion racing pigeon (Danny Lawson/PA)

Ian Evans, the CEO of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association says: “Although the virtual event was a success, we are looking forward to returning to Blackpool in January for our 50th show.

“The show has built a reputation for being one of the biggest events in the pigeon racing calendar and our 2022 show will be no different. There’s something for everyone at the show and makes for a great day out. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend, and we can’t wait to celebrate our 50th anniversary.”

Tickets for the show are available on the Royal Pigeon Racing Association’s website now. Saturday tickets are £7.50 and Sunday tickets cost £6.50. Tickets for the gala award event after the show are available for £18.