Royal Bath and West Show celebrates its 150th anniversary
The Royal Bath and West Show will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, with what promises to be an extra special event.
The Royal Bath and West Show will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year
One of the oldest surviving agricultural shows in England, the Bath and West began life as a travelling show, only settling at its current location near Shepton Mallet in 1965. A lot has changed in farming since Victorian times, but the show remains true to its roots of supporting agriculture and educating the public through a four-day extravaganza of everything rural.
“Early shows were all about demonstrating new technology to farmers – now it’s about showcasing farming to consumers,” says Dr Jane Guise, chief executive of the Royal Bath & West Society. “Visitors come to the show because they want to see the livestock, learn a bit more about rural life, and enjoy the vast array of entertainment on offer.”
This year, every section of the show will be celebrating with special displays and competitions, including 150 years of fairgrounds, the National Horseshoeing Championships, and plenty of locally produced food and drink.
But it is the livestock that are consistently the most popular attraction among visitors, and this year promises to be no exception. The striking Red Ruby Devon cattle breed will be holding their National Show, attracting top-class exhibitors from across the nation. And the prestigious Burke Trophy, formerly the highlight of the Royal Show, will be presented to the best pair of beef animals, judged by the respected Daniel Wyllie from Staffordshire.
Another former Royal Show accolade, the Flack Trophy, will be awarded to the champion pair of pigs by longstanding judge Graham Hinks from Dorset, who plans to bow out at the pinnacle of his career.
Competition schedules for the show, which will be held from 29 May to 1 June, will be available from mid-February, with early bird saver tickets available online now at www.bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 7765777.
About the Royal Bath & West of England Society
The Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack. We are a registered charity organisation (Registered Charity Number 1039397). The Society was formed with the aims of encouraging agriculture, arts, manufacture and commerce.
Our charitable activities provide:
- Agriculture, veterinary, educational and art scholarships
- Technical events and Seminars
- Practical farming advice and conferences
- Countryside Education
- Diversification advice for farmers
- Education for children
- A market place for countryside products
- Plus all the events run by the Society and the Bath & West Trading Company
As the Society approaches its 236th year it continues to deliver a wonderful mix of established traditional exhibits through to the latest energy technology and contemporary entertainment.
The entertainment and features around the 242-acre site ensure enjoyment for every member of the family and include attractions that are spectacular to watch, educational, inspirational, “hands on” or just plain fun.
