Heralded as ‘THE’ ultimate countryside day out in the South East, the South of England Show is returning this year from 11th – 13th June inclusive.
Taking place at the iconic South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, the three-day spectacular offers every generation the chance to re-connect with the countryside, and features a non-stop programme of entertainment, activities, and shopping opportunities.
While livestock and equestrian competitions have always been at the heart of this much loved show – with pedigree cattle, sheep, pigs and goats brought from across the region to the Showground to compete to become best of breed, and over 1500 horses and ponies competing to take home a much coveted rosette – there’s also a whole host of other attractions on offer to keep every visitor entertained.
Foodies and wine lovers are sure to enjoy a plethora of food from the artisan and street-food markets, as well as the Wine Walk, featuring a mouth-watering selection of wine produced in the South East. There will also be over 400+ stalls selling a variety of rural crafts, homeware, seasonal plants and gardening equipment, fashion, gifts, and more.
Visitors looking to experience traditional countryside activities and skills are sure to enjoy ‘have a go’ fly-fishing, ‘all about wood’ talks, and even traditional Sussex trug making demonstrations. And there will be plenty to inspire in the Gardening and Bees & Honey areas with the experts on hand to share their knowledge and tips. Alternatively, they can step back in time at the heritage zone with battle re-enactments, steam traction engine displays, plus lots more.
For the younger members of the family there are hundreds of animals for them to meet and learn about, including the stars of famous, and hilarious, Sheep Show. They can also take part in the ‘roarsome’ Dinosaur trail and meet Dexter the T-Rex and his baby dinosaur friends, experience life as a Saxon, take part in interactive activities, quizzes and competitions in the Discover the Countryside area, and let loose at the Bale Out Zone play area.
Even the teenagers will enjoy the show with many an ‘instagramable moment’ to capture, including the live music stage hosting sensational artists from East Sussex College, climbing aboard a flight simulator, or a tank in the British Army Village, and the always exciting showjumping programme featuring a line of up international stars.
If that wasn’t enough, back by popular demand, this year’s show will also feature breath-taking and death-defying stunt displays from Atkinson Action Horses – famous for their performances on Poldark, Peaky Blinder and Victoria.
Iain Nicol, CEO of the South of England Agricultural Society, said:
“The South of England Show is our biggest event of the year and since it was established in 1967, we have welcomed millions of visitors who have experienced the delights that country living can bring. Our 2020 show programme is jam-packed, and we really do have something for everyone, so we’re looking forward to a fantastic few days at the Showground.
“The South of England Agricultural Society is a charity and events like this, as well as showcasing agriculture, horticulture and the countryside to the general public, help us raise vital funds to support people with an interest or involvement in land-based industries. From inspiring school children to learn about the land, to offering travel bursaries for people working in the farming sector, or helping with funding for research – we want people to know that when you visit The South of England Show that they will also be supporting these fantastic projects and people across the South East.”
Tickets are available from seas.org.uk and cost £19.80 for adults, £18 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of 10% online discount until 10.06.20) – under 16s go free.
