Offering a shop window for farming, the countryside and the rural way of life, county and agricultural shows continue to be a much-loved fixture in many people’s calendar.

Shining a light on the UK’s rich rural heritage, such events celebrate the crucial role our farmers, landowners and countryside play in the economy.

Of course, much like our farmers and their rural businesses, county shows have had to adapt with the times. Combining tradition with up-to-the-minute tech, they now also often encompass a large range of family-friendly activities that appeal to a wide audience.

But at their heart they are still primarily agricultural shows, educating visitors about where their food comes from and how their rural surroundings are managed.

In this digital age they also have a valuable function for farmers – providing a wonderful social occasion and helping them to connect with consumers.

Alongside local produce to taste and buy, visitors can also see demonstrations of centuries-old skills – blacksmiths, thatching and wood turning for example – many of which are now highly sought after. 

Savills has been supporting county shows for generations – and very often it is the first event many of our offices look for when planning their list of activity for the year.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A LOCAL COUNTY SHOW?

• Find out about new technologies that could help your business.
• Discuss the market – discover the latest trends and check out your competition.
• Network with existing business contacts and make new ones.
• Fun for all the family – with activities for children, it’s a chance for them to see first-hand the best of local farming and the countryside.
• Ability to speak to leading experts on a wide range of topics including business, nutrition, machinery and renewable energy, all on the same day.
• Local shows often showcase Young Farmers Clubs, which are the lifeblood of future farming generations.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A COUNTY SHOW

• Arrive early to avoid the traffic and the queues. Also, you’ll be able to see the livestock exhibitors preparing their horses, cattle and sheep for their moment in the show ring.
• Try the produce on offer at stalls selling locally produced food and drink.
• Pace yourself and stay for the end – the show will often culminate in a grand parade showing off all the winners from the showing classes held throughout the day.
• Remember to make a note of where your vehicle is parked. The outlook may look very different when you return to your car park, particularly if you arrived early.

Savills teams will be at a number of regional shows this year, including the Oxfordshire Young Farmers Rally and Show (18 May), Essex Young Farmers Show (19 May), Suffolk Show (29-30 May), Royal Cornwall Show (6-8 June), Royal Highland Show (20-23 June) and Royal Norfolk Show (26-27 June). Later in the year we will also be at the Honiton Show (1 August), Turriff Show (4-5 August), Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show (14-15 August), Buckinghamshire County Show (29 May), Moreton in Marsh Show (7 September) and Henley Farm and Country Show (14 September).

There is much to celebrate about our rural economy and county shows provide the perfect stage.

Further information

Contact Will Radbourne or Grace Gardiner