The South of England Agricultural Society is proud to announce the return of the South of England Show for its 55th year. The event will take place on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June 2023, between 9am and 6.30pm each day, at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex.
The South of England Show offers visitors the chance to connect with the countryside and enjoy a fantastic day out. With a non-stop programme of agricultural and equestrian displays, country pursuits, live entertainment, rural crafts, horticulture, and a variety of food, drink, and shopping opportunities, there is something for all ages.
This year‘s show promises to be bigger and better, with over 150 things to do and see. Highlights include Bolddog Lings motocross stunt displays, international showjumping, heavy horse displays, cookery workshops for kids, scurry driving competitions, equine showing classes, livestock competitions, a Shetland Grand National, and a variety of other exciting activities.
Visitors will also be able to experience stick making, falconry, trug making, and many more rural industries and crafts. There’s also live music from the ever-popular Casablanca Steps, a new vintage agricultural machinery ring with demonstrations and displays, a fairground, a medieval re-enactment zone, a British Army village and a whole lot more!
Children can follow a special trail around the showground to try various free activities including experiences that will teach them about where food comes from and how it’s produced. The sheep show, a perennial favourite, will have everyone laughing out loud, and visitors of all ages can enjoy amazing experiences at the Discover the Countryside area, which features activities such as forestry and fly casting, as well as the Bee & Honey section with live bee demonstrations and observation hides..
Gardening enthusiasts are sure to love viewing the garden design competition entries and take advantage of the many shopping opportunities from nurseries, plant and equipment specialists.
There will be extensive food and drink options, including multiple street food areas and numerous pop-up bars and cafes. Visitors can also explore the Grape & Grain Walk which features local vineyards and breweries, allowing visitors to sample and purchase some of the finest drinks that the region has to offer.
As always the shopping will be plentiful with the best of country clothing, jewellery, pet accesories, independent boutiques and new this year will be a dedicated Made in Sussex area which showcases and sells fantastic items from local producers in the county.
Corrie Ince, Show Director for the South of England Agricultural Society, said, “The South of England Show is a chance for visitors to really connect with their countryside and land-based businesses and producers. It’s a great opportunity to see, meet and learn from the farmers, landowners and craftspeople we are lucky to have located just outside our towns and villages.”
Corrie continued, “The public can meet, learn from and support local and independent traders and find many items that you just won’t see on the high street or online. Overall, the show provides the chance to support the British countryside, our charity work as an agricultural society, and enjoy a fantastic day out with the whole family.”
Click here for tickets which cost £22.50 for adults and £20.70 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of a 10% advance discount until 1.06.23). Under 16s go free (suggested donation of £2 for children aged 5-15). Dogs are not recommended due to the number of people on site, the restricted livestock areas, and the potential for hot weather.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the best of the British countryside at the 2023 South of England Show.
