A true paradise for pigeon fanciers.

The British Homing World Show of the Year 2005 ( known as the "Crufts of the pigeon world" ( will be held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on Saturday and Sunday, January 22-23 next year.

Nearly 30,000 visitors flocked to last year's show ( the biggest and best in Europe ( with over 2,000 birds on display and 200 trade stands.

Last year, over 2,400 birds entered the Show's 33 different classes. Best in Show, Supreme Champion and Reserve Champion classes were all won by former RPRA President, John Robilliard, from Cornwall.

This year, as always, there will also be a gala evening show on the Saturday night.

It stars 4 for 1, a superb four-piece band singing classics and today's hits; Bruce Thompson, the brilliant comedy one-man-band who has appeared on TV; and vivacious vocalist Jayne Curry.

Also starring will be comedienne and singer, Lynnie Larkin, currently with Lonnie D, The Musical; Chris Hopkins, the organist from the Tower Ballroom; and the Sound and Vision Disco with Les Dean. The evening will also include the RPRA presentations.

Day tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday at pounds 3.50 for adults and pounds 2 for concessions, (OAPs and children 14 and under).

Tickets are not required for children under five or for assistants pushing wheelchairs. Please specify how many tickets are required for each day. (eg 4xSaturday adults, 2xSunday adults).

Cheques must be made payable to British Homing World Show of the Year and requests should be forwarded to: The Show Manager (Tickets) BHW Show of the Year, c/o the RPRA, The Reddings, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 6RN accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope for return of your tickets.

Tickets can also be ordered by telephone on [phone] for credit and debit cards through the Racing Support office at The Reddings. Please note that a pounds 1.50 charge applies for posting and packing for these orders.

All ticket requests should be received at the Reddings by no later than Monday January 10, 2005.

The committee will not accept any responsibility for late arrival of tickets.

Tickets are also available from the Winter Gardens box office by post to the Box Office, Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HW or by phone for credit/debit cards to [phone].

Tickets for the Gala Evening are also available from The Reddings at pounds 10 each.