Royal Three Counties Show enjoyed record visitor numbers last weekend, with families journeying from across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond to celebrate the best of the countryside and enjoy thrilling main arena entertainment.
Highlights of the day included daring displays from parachute regiment The Red Devils, the IMPS under 18s motorbike stunt team and the Pony Club Mounted Games as well as the weekend’s many prize-winning animals on their lap of honour in the remarkable Grand Parade of Livestock.
“This weekend we have seen some of the finest livestock in the country across 32 judging rings, an action-packed Main Arena, a busy Food and Drink Festival supporting producers from the Three Counties and nine equine rings buzzing with activity across the three days ”, said Head of Shows Jane Edwards.
“We are proud to bring together all the people, animals and trades that make the Three Counties such a celebrated area of the UK. Everything from livestock and farm machinery to artisan food and family entertainment, is given a well-deserved platform at Royal Three Counties Show and we hope our visitors left each day with a real taste of what the countryside has to offer.”
Elsewhere on the Showground, visitors enjoyed discussing hot topics and rural issues in the all-new Future of Farming Zone where the Theatre featured talks and book signings from special guests Clarkson’s Farm’s Kaleb Cooper, Countryfile presenter and farmer, Adam Henson, JLS member and farmer JB Gill, rugby legend, MasterChef winner and farmer Phil Vickery and industry experts. NFU President, Minette Batters, and DEFRA Minister Trudy Harrison also made an appearance to discuss today’s farming issues.
“The show provides an ideal opportunity to learn more about farming, food, the countryside and the environment. The farming community is at the heart of Royal Three Counties Show and hosting discussions about soil health, net zero, regenerative agriculture and diversification helps farmers to network and share expert knowledge to further the industry.” commented Jane.
“The Future of Farming Zone brought in people looking to get into farming or find out more about agriculture, by hosting familiar farming faces who all helped to raise the profile of this new area.”
Families looking for something new were enthralled by the action at the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS championships and a full programme of rural pursuits in the Countryside Arena. Alongside sheep shearing competitions and a record-number of sheep entries in the Livestock Rings, the Farming Experience section was dedicated to the production of wool and wool-related products.
In the livestock rings, a Gloucestershire breed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watch list took centre stage as a Gloucester heifer and calf, owned by Mr Craig Phillips, was crowned “Champion of Champions” by President of the Three Counties Show Agricultural Society, The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, as is tradition for the President to select their favourite animal from the three days of showing.
“I was delighted to name a Gloucester heifer and calf as my champion of champions on Saturday, with Gloucestershire being the host county for this year. With such an impressive display of livestock at Royal Three Counties Show, including many rare breeds, visitors to the show are able to meet handlers and find out more about the animals, food production and how to ensure these animals will continue to thrive.”
“The Royal Three Counties Show is always a highlight of my calendar, and it has been a delight and privilege to be President this year. From visiting the NFU tent through to the Red Devils’ parachute display, plus the fabulous exhibiting of livestock, sheep shearing and all the many equine events, it was a wonderful weekend. The final awards ceremony with the Young Farmers was a joyful way to end the show.”
Royal Three Counties Show will take place next summer 14-16 June 2024 at Three Counties Showground, Malvern.