As we approach Summer 2023, FCN looks forward to attending dozens of rural and agricultural shows and events across England and Wales.
It’s estimated that 7 million people attend a rural show on an annual basis, and the economic, social, and cultural impact of these events cannot be underestimated.
Economically, visitor attendance generates income for the shows themselves, allowing larger events to continue to employ staff members and maintain showgrounds for numerous occasions throughout the year. Even smaller shows boost rural tourism substantially, bringing in visitors from outside the area, and benefiting other rural businesses in the locality as well.
They represent an opportunity for organisations and individuals to exchange knowledge, promote products and ideas, and showcase a region as a whole. And they offer farming and rural communities the chance to connect directly with those from outside the agricultural industry, providing education and listening to feedback.
As a charity that works to support farmers and farming families, we recognise the crucial part that these events play in providing social interaction for those who may spend much of the year working alone. The chance for farmers to take in some public appreciation and feel value in their profession is essential.
FCN staff and volunteers endeavour to attend as many rural and agricultural shows as possible every year. Meeting farmers and those in allied industries face to face is one of the activities we all love to do the most. Whether you drop by an FCN stand for a quick hello, a longer chat, a signpost to an organisation that can help with a particular issue, or just a new pen, we look forward to seeing you.
Here are some of the events we’re currently planning to attend over the coming months:
North
Otley Show – 20th May
Cumberland Show – 10th June
Royal Cheshire Show – 20th-21st June
Great Yorkshire Show – 11th-14th July
Royal Lancashire Show – 21st-23rd July
Driffield Show – 21st July
Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show – 23rd July
Ryedale Show – 25th July
Cockermouth Show – 5th August
Tockwith Show – 7th August
Thornton le Dale Show – 9th August
Ripley Show – 13th August
Selside and Gayrigg Show – 25th August
Wensleydale Show – 26th August
Reeth Show – 28th August
Kilnsey Show – 29th August
Keighley and District Show – 2nd September
Muker Show – 6th September
Penistone Show – 9th September
Westmorland County Agricultural Show – 13th-14th September
Stokesley Show – 23rd September
Nidderdale Show – 24th September
Masham Sheep Fair – 30th September – 1st October
Midlands
Staffordshire County Show – 31st May – 1st June
Kenilworth Show – 3rd June
Cereals 2023 – 13th-14th June
Royal Three Counties Show – 16th-18th June
Blaston Show – 25th June
Ashby Show – 9th July
Blakesley Show – 5th August
UK Dairy Day – 13th September
South East
Berkshire YFC Country Fayre – 7th May
Hadleigh Show – 20th May
Oxfordshire YFC County Show – 21st May
Heathfield Show – 27th May
Hertfordshire County Show – 27th-28th August
South of England Show – 9th-11th June
Groundswell – 28th-29th June
Royal Norfolk Show – 28th-29th June
Tendring Show – 8th July
Thame Sheep Fayre – 3rd-4th August
Edenbridge and Oxted Show – 27th-28th August
Aylsham Show – 28th August
Bucks County Show – 31st August
Alresford Show – 2nd September
Romsey Show – 9th September
South West
Devon County Show – 18th-20th May
Royal Bath and West Show – 1st-3rd June
Royal Cornwall Show – 8th-10th June
Mid Devon Show – 22nd July
Yealmpton Show – 26th July
North Devon Show – 2nd August
Honiton Show – 3rd August
Tenbury Show – 5th August
Okehampton Show – 10th August
Chagford Show – 17th August
Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show – 16th-17th August
Dunster Show – 18th August
Mid Somerset Show – 20th August
Holsworthy Show and Stratton – 24th August
Melplash Show – 24th August
Dorset County Show – 2nd-3rd August
Frome Show – 9th September
Wales
NSA Welsh Sheep – 16th May
Llanrwst Show – 24th June
Royal Welsh Show – 24th-27th July
Gower Show – 6th August
Vale of Glamorgan Show – 9th August
Chepstow Show – 12th August
Anglesey County Show – 15th-16th August
Pembrokeshire County Show – 16th-17th August
Denbigh and Flint Show – 17th August
Merioneth County Show – 23rd August
Usk Show – 9th September