Essay on Agricultural Exhibitions in the United Kingdom!
Agricultural Exhibition # 1. Royal Show:
The Royal Show was an annual agricultural show/fair held by the Royal Agricultural Society of England every year from 1839 to 2009. It was held in Stoneleigh Park (previously known as the National Agricultural Centre or NAC) near Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, England. Early venues for the show included Park Royal in London and Victoria Park, Leamington Spa.
The event encompassed all aspects of farming, food and rural life – from the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological innovations in the farming industry. Over 1,000 stands, world-class livestock and equine classes attracted visitors from over 100 countries. On 3 April 2009, organisers said the 2009 show would be the last.
Royal Show 2007:
More than 140,000 visitors were expected to attend the 2007 show; however, bad weather forced the show to close early for the first time in its history. Torrential rains left the showground saturated and police and show organisers took the decision to close the show a day ahead of schedule “to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, traders and exhibitors”.
Two of the showground’s car parks were closed on Monday evening after drivers had to be towed free. A further 30 acres (12 ha) of barley and hay fields were mowed to provide additional parking on the Tuesday.
The decision was described as “heartbreaking” by the Royal Agricultural Society of England. John Moverley, RASE Chief Executive, said the financial implications of the wet weather and closing the show early were being assessed. “We haven’t got exact figures, but it looks as though we are down by about 10% for the first two days on last year,” he said.
Agricultural Exhibition # 2. Royal Highland Show:
The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s annual farming and countryside showcase. It is held annually at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston over the second-last weekend in June (Thursday – Sunday), the event attracts over 1,000 exhibitors, 4,500 head of livestock, and an annual 150,000 visitors – making it Scotland’s most popular summer event and the premier fixture in Scotland’s farming calendar. It generates over £200 million in business. Exhibitors compete for the prestige of winning not only a prize ticket, but also for prize money and trophies worth over £1 million. It is the UK’s largest agricultural event and the longest lasting one sponsored by new Holland.
History:
The show first started in 1822, and between that time and 1959 the show moved around towns and cities of Scotland. In 1960, Ingliston site become the permanent home of the show opening on the 21st June 1960. The move to a permanent location has help the show develop beyond its original remit to become celebration of Scottish food, countryside and its farming.
Orientally the show operated Sunday to Wednesday, but was change to Thursday to Sunday setting, with Livestock competitions being held on the Thursday and Friday.
During the 1948 show held at Inverness, the Royal title was bestowed on to the event by King George VI.
No show during 2001 because of the foot and mouth crisis.
In 2010, it reaches the landmark anniversary of the 50th year of the show to be held in show Ingliston and also the 170th show to be staged.
Attractions:
a. Livestock
Livestock exhibited include sheep, cattle, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys, and poultry (although there was no poultry section in the 2006 show, reflecting concerns about a Scottish outbreak of bird flu).
One of the sights of the show is Heavy Horse Turnouts and for the first time ever, in 2006 Ingliston saw the attendance of all UK heavy horse breeds – Clydesdales, Shires, Percherons and — first time visitors to Scotland — two teams of Suffolk Punches travelling from Norfolk and Suffolk.
The show’s most prestigious livestock honour, the Queen’s Cup, rotates between the champions of the various types of livestock—in 2006 it was awarded to the best animal in the 162 strong goat sections.
b. Exhibition
The Royal Highland Show is a showcase for Rural and Agricultural products and produce. There are large exhibits of agricultural machinery and supplies, equine supplies and outdoor sporting goods. A wide variety of rural, agricultural and environmental associations set up stall to promote them.
The Highland Showground’s exhibition halls provide indoor spaces for a shopping arena and a food and drink arena. Both areas are dominated by Scottish producers, but there is a significant presence from other parts of the United Kingdom and form further afield; for instance European wine makers, German salami makers etc. The food and drink arena offers considerable opportunity for taste-testing and has a demonstration kitchen offering visitors suggestions on home to prepare and serve the products on offer. The shopping areas are extended into the main showground by market-style stalls. Other businesses, including banks, supermarkets and food producers have their own arenas to promote their commitment to farming, food production and agriculture.
Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes are perhaps one of the highlights of the show, with a large stand offering lots of samples and free activities for all the family.
c. Competition:
Outside of the exhibition halls and livestock rings, there are a wide range of competitive and display events, including international sheep shearing, show jumping, driving, tug-of- war, dog obedience trials, falconry, farriery and other rural pursuits.
d. Music:
In 2007, the RHS’s two bandstands played host to fifteen different bands and musical groups, including the Band of HM Royal Marines and numerous bands of Pipes and Drums.
In 2010, played host to over 50 different bands and musical groups, including school and rock bands.
e. Visitors and Organisation:
The Royal Highland has a history of attracting VIP visitors, including:
(i) HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 for the Official opening of the new Ingliston site and again in 1984 for its 25th anniversary.
(ii) HRH, the Duke of Gloucester, in 2006. One of the most powerful women in Europe, European Agriculture Commissioner is Mariann Fischer-Boel.
(iii) Various politicians.
The show is organised by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, an organisation of over 13,000 members. The 2010 Show was held between 24-27 June, with the 2011 event being lined up for 23-26 June.
Agricultural Exhibition # 3. Royal Norfolk Show:
The Royal Norfolk Show is an annual agricultural show, and is held by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. It is the largest 2 day agricultural show in England, and has been held almost every year since 1847. Shows were not held in 1866, 1911, 1934 and 1957. Up until 1953, the show was held at various sites around Norfolk, although it has since been held at a permanent site near Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk. The show tends to be held on the Wednesday and Thursday in week 26 of the year.
Agricultural Exhibition # 4. Royal Welsh Show:
The Royal Welsh Show (Welsh: Sioe Frenhinol Cymru) is the biggest agricultural show in Europe. It is organised by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, which was formed in 1904, and takes place in July of each year, at Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, in Powys, Mid Wales.
The first show was held in Aberystwyth in 1904, and its success led to the development of the permanent showground at Llanelwedd, first used in 1963.
Format:
The show lasts for four days and attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, making it a major boon for tourism in Wales.
Events include:
(i) Judging of cattle, sheep, horses, goats, pigs and various other domestic animals
(ii) Sheep dog trials
(iii) Sheep shearing competitions
(iv) Horse riding competitions
(v) Four-in-hand and Carriage Driving displays
(vi) Falconry
(vii) Games and sports such as the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery of the Royal Horse Artillery
(viii) Arts and crafts show
(ix) Live music
Given its “Royal” status it is not unusual for a senior member of the British Royal family to attend at the Show. A familiar sight is the Prince of Wales who is generally acknowledged to be a keen supporter of the farming community. Indeed following his outspoken support during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, some farmers regard him as an influential figure. One farming union, the FUW, nominated him for his outstanding contribution to agriculture in 2003 which was announced at the show.
Prestige:
Whilst being a successful exhibitor at any show is a success, victory at the Royal Welsh Show is regarded as particularly significant not only in Wales but throughout the United Kingdom. Exhibitors attend from throughout Wales and beyond and the quality of competition is always high. Of particular prestige is the category of Supreme Champion in the cattle section. Success in this category attracts attention to the exhibitor and cattle breeders will be willing to pay more for the animal’s progeny. Despite this financial incentive, the majority of exhibitors will claim they compete for the honour and the camaraderie.
Business:
Most major businesses with links to agriculture will have a trade stand at the show. Given the number of farming people at the venue it is regarded as a vital opportunity to attract new business as well as to network with current customers. It is not unusual to see an exhibition trade stand selling Manure spreaders sighted next to a stand selling luxury sports cars.
Social Event:
The Royal Welsh is particularly significant for young people who live in farming communities in Wales. It is regarded as one of the highlights of the year and as an opportunity to socialise with old friends and make new acquaintances, particularly of the opposite sex. The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs runs a series of competitions throughout Wales throughout the year and the finals of the practical competitions usually take place at the Show. Amongst these events are stock judging and tractor driving.
Welsh Cob Senior Stallions:
Arguably the biggest event at the show is the Welsh Cob Senior Stallion class, traditionally held on the Wednesday afternoon of the show. The class is held using the entire main arena, and the grandstand, opposite hill and surrounds are typically packed, with seating becoming hard to come by from about 10:30 onwards. The 50+ stallions are paraded at the trot in front of the grandstand, raising often thunderous roars from the crowd before they settle down for the judging of the class. This event on its own brings spectators from all around the world.
Agricultural Exhibition # 5. Royal Bath and West of England Society:
The Royal Bath and West of England Society is a charitable society founded in 1777 to promote and improve agriculture and related activities around the West Country of England. Based at the Royal Bath and West of England Society Showground near Shepton Mallet in Somerset, the society is a registered charity in England and Wales.
Nowadays the society offers a variety of services relating to agriculture and veterinary science including public and professional events, seminars and advice, scholarships, and a marketplace for countryside products.
Foundation:
In 1775 Edmund Rack, a draper and the son of a labouring weaver, moved from his native Norfolk to the city of Bath. Despite his modest upbringing Rack had developed interests both in literature and agriculture, and especially the application of modern methods to farming. He was struck on his arrival by the poor standard of agricultural practise in the West Country, and in a series of letters to the Farming Magazine and the Bath Chronicle argued that it was in the interest of all involved to make a concerted effort to improve productivity.
Thus on the 28 August 1777 the Bath Chronicle printed a notice addressed to “The Nobility and Gentry in the counties of Somerset, Gloucester, Wiltshire and Dorset in general, and the Cities of Bath and Bristol in particular”. This notice, paid for by Rack, proposed the formation of a “Society in this City, for the encouragement of Agriculture, Planting, Manufactures, Commerce, and the Fine Arts…”
A number of philanthropists responded, and at a meeting on 8 September inaugurated the ‘Bath and West of England Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures and Commerce’, nominating Rack as the society’s secretary. The same year, the Aims, Rules and Orders of the Society were published, which set out the activities of the society for the years to come. These involved the improvement of areas such as animal husbandry, farm implements and country crafts through education, experimentation and prize-giving.
In 1780 a site at Weston, Bath was taken over for use by the society as an experimental farm. Although this particular venture ended around a decade later, for the next 196 years the society’s headquarters were located in properties within the city of Bath, until in 1974 its administration moved to a new permanent home in Shepton Mallet.
18th and 19th Centuries:
The year 1780 saw the first major publication of the society when Volume I of the Letters and Papers appeared. These disseminated advice and scientific opinion on agriculture and other subjects of interest, and were printed irregularly until finishing with Volume XV in 1829. Later in its history the society resumed publishing with a full journal.
In 1859 the decision was made to move the annual meetings of the society out of the city of Bath, and each year convenes in a different town in the society’s area. These were combined with annual agricultural shows which proved enormously popular, and continue to the present day.
The society was then renamed in 1869 as the ‘Bath and West of England Society and Southern Counties Association for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce’ to reflect its influence in areas outside the vicinity of the city, and further name changes occurring in the 1890s finished with the ‘Bath and West and Southern Counties Society’.
Present Day:
A final change of name created the present ‘Royal Bath and West of England Society’, and in 1994 the society was registered as a full charity under British law. The society continues to organise events around the west of England including a flower show and the Royal Bath and West Show, which in 2005 attracted 150,000 visitors. The current president of the society is Lord Waldegrave.
The Royal Bath and West Showground is the location for many events throughout the year, including the New Wine and Soul Survivor summer conferences.
Agricultural Show # 6. Royal Cornwall Show:
The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show, usually called the Royal Cornwall Show, is an agricultural show organised by the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, which takes place at the beginning of June each year, at Wadebridge in North Cornwall.
The show lasts for three days and attracts approximately 120,000 visitors annually, making it one of Cornwall’s major tourist attractions.
Events include:
(i) Judging of cattle, sheep, horses, goats and various other domestic animals
(ii) Sheep dog trials
(iii) Riding competitions
(iv) Driving displays
(v) Falconry
(vi) Games and sports
(vii) Craft show
(viii) Live music
(ix) The culmination of the county cup for the Cornwall Young Farmers’ Club.
Given its Royal status it is not unusual for a senior member of the Royal family to attend at the Show. A familiar sight is Prince Charles who is acknowledged to be a keen supporter of the farming community. Princess Alexandra attended the 2009 show.
History:
The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association was founded in 1793, and has been known by that name since 1858.
The show was held at Truro between 1827 and 1857, but from then on the venue changed every year. Since 1960 the showground at Wadebridge has been its permanent home.
Business:
Most major businesses with links to agriculture will have a trade stand at the show. Given the number of farming people at the venue it is regarded as a vital opportunity to attract new business as well as to network with current customers.
Social Event:
The show is particularly significant for young people who live in farming communities in Cornwall. It is regarded as one of the highlights of the year and as an opportunity to socialise with old friends and make new acquaintances.
Agricultural Exhibition # 7. Tendering Hundred Shows:
Tendering Hundred Show is an annual agricultural fair held in early July at the Showground at Lawford House Park, near Manningtree in Essex England, featuring over 200 trade stands and entertainment in several show areas and shows.
Entertainment—
(i) Heavy horse Classes
(ii) Vintage car Parade
(iii) Heart of England Falconry Display
(iv) Scurry
(v) Hound Parade
(vi) Young Farmer’s tug-of-war Challenge
(vii) Team Spectrum Kite Display,
(viii) Krag Dancers from Poland
Show Areas—
i. Countryside Area – arena including Terrier Racing, Gun dog & Falconry Displays, Fly Fishing on a large man- made pond, archery and shooting demonstrations, and numerous societies representing all sorts of rural organizations from Badgers and Bees to the 10m Living River, with varieties of fresh water coarse fish native to UK rivers.
ii. Community Area – each year one local Community shows a diverse range of groups exhibiting and performing on the stage.
iii. Flower Tent – concentrating on flower clubs, local horticultural societies and garden clubs, both displaying and exhibiting. There are experts on hand to give help and advice on all aspects of gardening as well as local nurseries displaying and selling items for home gardeners.
iv. Education Area – Over 40 schools displaying their work as well as student performances throughout the day.
v. Children’s Activity Area – featuring Professor Poppycock and his Punch & Judy, the Essex Storytellers, and bouncy castles.
vi. Craft Tent and Shoppers Market – with unique gifts and handicrafts for sale.
vii. Food Hall – incorporates a farmer’s market, and several vendors selling food and beverages.
Included Shows—
(i) Art Show – in which local artists display works for sale
(ii) Poultry Show – the largest show of its kind in the area with over 100 classes for all types of fowl.
(iii) Goat Show – many different breeds of Goats being exhibited
(iv) Rabbit Show – a Two Star Show with over 100 exhibits
(v) Cavy (Guinea Pig) Show – wide range of breeds and varieties, including some rare breeds on show.
(vi) Rat Show – Summer Cup show run by the National Fancy Rat Society
(vii) Pigeon Show – a very long established Show exhibiting 45 breeds of Fancy pigeons
(viii) Horse Show – With three rings in the dedicated horse area with a mix of ridden and in-hand classes for horses and ponies including the BSJA Show jumping arena, with affiliated show jumping throughout the day.
Agricultural Exhibition # 8. East of England Agricultural Society:
The East of England Agricultural Society in the United Kingdom is the organiser of the East of England Show held each year at the 250 acre (101 ha) East of England Showground, five miles (8 km) west of the city of Peterborough in Cambridgeshire.
The Society was formed by the merger of the Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely (established 1863), Huntingdonshire (established 1837) and Peterborough (established 1797) agricultural societies in 1970. It was joined by the Bedfordshire Agricultural Society (1801) in 1971 and the Northamptonshire Agricultural Society (1848) in 1972. The Long Sutton Agricultural Society (1837) in neighbouring Lincolnshire remains independent and is affiliated for show purposes only.
Agricultural Exhibition # 9. Great Yorkshire Show:
The Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) is an agricultural show which takes place on the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire in the North of England annually from the second Tuesday of July until the following Thursday. It is organised and run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS).
The history of the GYS is intimately connected with that of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS). At its foundation in 1837, the primary aim of the YAS was stated as “… to hold an Annual Meeting for the Exhibition of Farming Stock, Implements &c., and for the General Promotion of Agriculture.”
The first YAS Show was held in 1838 in the Barrack Yard at Fulford, near York. Though the numbers attending were not recorded the event was counted a success; police had to use their truncheons to restore order among the large numbers of visitors when they began to force their way in without paying.
Originally intended as a peripatetic event, the Show moved to Leeds, Northallerton and Hull in subsequent years, before returning to York in 1842. This is the first year for which attendance figures are available — the Show in 1842 had a paid attendance of 6044. By 1843 the YAS Show had become known as the “Great Yorkshire Show”, apparently by popular acclamation rather than in any official sense.
The GYS continued to be held in various places around Yorkshire until 1950. No GYS was held between 1915-1919 due to World War I while the 1920 GYS was held jointly with the RASE in Darlington. Shows between 1940 and 1948 were cancelled due to World War II. By 1948 the YAS was coming to the conclusion that the expenses involved in setting up a new showground every year were becoming prohibitive, and in 1949 it was decided that a permanent showground be acquired. In 1950 the last of the peripatetic shows was held in Malton.
In 1950 the YAS purchased a site at Hook Oval in Harrogate for the sum of £16,500, and since 1951 this has been the permanent site for the GYS. In 1951 the attendance figure was nearly 54,000.
The 2001 GYS was cancelled due to the outbreak of Foot and mouth disease in Britain.
The 2006 show has been the most successful so far in terms of attendance figures, with 135,111 visitors.
The 2008 show was attended by the Queen to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The Showground:
The Great Yorkshire Showground is situated off Railway Road, on the outskirts of Harrogate. The site is 250 acres (101 ha) in area, and consists mainly of grassland with several permanent structures. These include
(i) Main grandstand and show-ring
(ii) Country Pursuits arena (featuring Hounds and Birds of Prey)
(iii) Flower Show
(iv) “White Rose” grandstand and show-ring
(v) Housing for cattle, sheep, pigs and other livestock
(vi) Multi-purpose conference and exhibition halls (known as the “Yorkshire Event Centre”)
(vii) Dining and function facilities (known as “Pavilions of Harrogate”)
(viii) Office accommodation for the YAS, which has its headquarters at the showground
The showground facilities are used all the year round for various functions and events ranging from the Great Yorkshire Show itself to antiques fairs, trade shows, business conferences and wedding receptions. It is estimated that some 1 million people visit the showground per year.
Agricultural Exhibition # 10. Monmouth Show:
The Monmouth Show is the largest one-day agricultural show in Wales, taking place annually in Monmouth. The origins of the show date back to the 1790s when the town’s agricultural society organised ploughing matches. Another landmark event was on May 30th, 1857, when the eighth Duke of Beaufort and Sir Charles Morgan M.P each put £10 into a fund to start the Monmouth Cattle Show.
The modern origins of the show date to 1875 when a show was held in the town’s newly established cattle market in Chippenham Fields. The show was then held annually (firstly in October, but then eventually moved to August – taking up its now traditional date of the last Thursday in August) up until the First World War. The show was restarted in 1919 when it was renamed the Monmouthshire County Show.
The show was not held during the period of the Second World War, but from 1946 until 2006 it was held each year on the grounds of Vauxhall Fields. The show was not held in 1956 or 2001 due to outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. 2007 marked the 150th anniversary of the Monmouthshire Show Society. That same year the show moved to a new site on the Redbrook Road in Monmouth.
Agricultural Exhibition # 11. Newport Show:
Newport Show is held at Chetwynd Park show ground at Chetwynd, Shropshire, England, between Newport and Edgmond. The show can trace its roots back to 1890, when a group of local farmers joined to become Newport and District Agricultural Society.
Friday, August 8, 1890 was the date of the first show, which was held at Victoria Park. A schedule of classes was drawn up to include livestock, root crops, implements, cheese, butter, wool, horse leaping and turnouts. There was even a prize for male and female servants of Society members.
Thus the Newport and District Agricultural Society was founded, to organise the annual Newport Show and for the improvement of agriculture. To this day, it bears all of the hallmarks of that early tradition and is acknowledged as the best one day show in the Midlands. The show still keeps strong ties with the town and the town’s educational establishments, especially Harper Adams University College.
2009 Show:
The 2009 show will be the 100th show, and was held on July 18, 2009.
2010 Show:
The 2010 show was held on the 10th July 2010 and broke all attendance records, with 20,000 people coming to the one day event
The Show Ground:
Sited on the banks of Chetwynd pool, which is a 20 acre pool, the show ground is a natural show area and is thought to be one of the most beautiful show grounds in the country.
Chetwynd Park was part of the Chetwynd Park estate, mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was an important manor in Saxon times. The area belonged to Leofric, Earl of Mercia, in about 1050.
The Deer Park got its name from the herd of some 100 fallow deer which were brought up from Southern England. The area is home to some of Shropshire’s finest ancient woodland.
The Estate was left to the University College in Edgemond. The Deer Park fell into a state of disrepair. In 1988 it was taken over by Newport and District Agricultural Society who set about the task of restoring the Park to its former glory and at the same time, creating what is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful show grounds in the country. The park is surrounded by 3 miles of sandstone walls. The sandstone well, a 20-acre pool and the Victorian Boat House are still to be restored.
Agricultural Exhibition # 12. New Forest Show:
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, or more commonly known as “The New Forest Show” is an annual agricultural show event held for three days at the end of July in New Park, near Brockenhurst in Hampshire, southern England, UK.
The show attracts over 100,000 visitors every year, and brings together a celebration of traditional country pursuits, crafts, produce and entertainment. Show jumping is another major feature at the show and there are competitive classes throughout all three days. A full range of equestrian classes also features, as well as livestock competitions including pigs, cattle and sheep, plus a poultry section, rabbits, cage birds, and honey bees.
The first New Forest Show was in 1921, and in 2006, it celebrated its 80th show. The show is also great for local business as well as agricultural business, food, flowers and vegetable displays bringing together all aspects of rural life.
Agricultural Exhibition # 13. Shropshire and West Midlands Show:
The Shropshire and West Midlands Show, though usually called the West Mid Show, is an annual agriculture-related show held on the outskirts of Shrewsbury (at Coton Hill), England.
It has its own showground – the Shropshire Agricultural Showground, which lies on the north bank of the River Severn in a rural setting (though it is also only a mile from Shrewsbury town centre). The showground is accessed via Berwick Road, the B5067.
The show is held usually in May and attracts as many as 40,000 people, from across the region.
On 07 November 2009 the society which runs the show went into liquidation, all staff were made redundant with immediate effect. Shropshire County Council have taken over as organisers, and the event has been renamed the Shropshire County Show.