About the South of England Agricultural Society
What we do
The South of England Agricultural Society is a registered charity dedicated to funding and supporting agricultural education and countryside learning.
Working across Berkshire, East Sussex, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, we operate from the South of England Showground, a 150-acre site situated on the outskirts of the village of Ardingly in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Showground hosts many of our shows and events and is home to the South of England Event Centre which we own and operate on behalf of the Society.
Find out more about the South of England Agricultural Society
How we do it
The Society organises and hosts four seasonal shows which showcase agriculture, horticulture and the countryside and raise funds for our educational work. These events provide visitors of all ages with a fun and informative day out while promoting the countryside and its industries through displays, interactive activities and competitions, including from our own Countryside Hub. Our flagship event, the South of England Show, has been running since 1967 and takes place in June each year and is a focal point for farmers and producers across our region.
Central to our remit are our educational objectives. As well as raising awareness of agriculture and countryside pursuits, any funds raised from our seasonal shows help serve the community through the provision of education, grants and awards for people with an interest or involvement in agriculture and other land-based industries.
The Society delivers and hosts a wide range of educational events including our Farming Conference, technical forums, school and college competitions and countryside learning initiatives for primary school children.
Trustees' Report and AGM
Click on the link below to read the latest Trustees’ Report & Financial Statement.
The Society’s Annual General Meeting will be held in person on Thursday the 10th of April 2025 at 5:00pm in the Norfolk Pavilion at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, RH17 6TL.Â
If you are unable to attend and wish to appoint a proxy vote on your behalf please complete the proxy form and return it to the Society Office by 2.30pm on Tuesday 8th April 2025.
Our next Annual General Meeting will be on Thursday 10th April 2025 at 5pm.
Board of Trustees
Our History
Founded in 1967, the South of England Agricultural Society was formed from a consolidation of agricultural societies to work across six counties: Berkshire, East Sussex, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex.
Some of these agricultural societies date back to the 1830s, and we are proud to build on their legacy and continue to support countryside and agricultural industries for future generations.
We are committed to fulfilling our primary purpose of raising funds that help us provide agricultural education and support countryside learning across the region.
Board of Trustees
Articles of Association
Want to know more?
Find out more about our organisation and how you could become part of it.
Membership
If you enjoy attending our shows, find out more about Membership. You can attend each day of our four seasonal shows, access Members’ areas including parking, and you will be helping us to continue our work to fund and support agricultural education and countryside learning.
Read our reviews
Here are some of the things people are saying about us.
Great fun! Music from the Casablanca Steps, Shetland Pony Grand National, lots of nice farm beasts. More good shops than last year. A few more plants & poultry would be good.
Clare Salmon
Great venue for country shows and the shows are top quality too.
Vicci Gunstone
Just been to the South of England show. Had an amazing time in the sunshine. Lots to see and do and something for everyone. My son thought the stunt bikes where awesome!!!
Mark Leppard
This year was bigger and better than I have experienced in other years. Great mix of content across the stalls and show elements.
Zoe Randall
Easy parking which was free. Entrance price very good. Sellers did not mark prices too high. Huge varieties, from babies, children, adults and a good variety for animals. Cash and card available. A lovely Christmas atmosphere was created.
Julie Fairfowl
A great family day out, lots to see (farm animals, horses and dogs) and buy (plants, clothing and a huge variety of produce).
Carolyn Waters
Charity of the Year
Find out more about our current Charity of the Year, Veterans’ Growth:
