Published on 30th March, 2018
From tractor demonstrations to extreme sports, and from show jumping to live music, a vast range of entertainment is lined up throughout the four-day event, which boasts over 50 hours of scheduled entertainment every day.
Falling within the May half-term week, the popular family-friendly event is now in its 155th year, bringing together the very best of British agriculture, entertainment and food & drink. A full schedule of demonstrations, judging and interactive activities across all four days will provide fascinating insights into British farming and rural lifestyle.
The judging of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and more can be viewed throughout the show, with over 10,000 competitive entries in total. There are also plenty of opportunities to see and meet the animals, including some less common breeds such as Hackney horses, a native breed that is under threat, and the Otterhound, one of the most endangered British dog breeds.
Attractions in the Main Ring will include show jumping, inter-hunt relays, private driving, Pony Club Games and the Grand Parades of prizewinning livestock.
A new app will help visitors to this year’s show take full advantage of their time at the event – whether that’s one packed day or several days, with camping available on site for those wanting to really make the most of it.
The show will again host the British Cheese Awards and British Cider Championships, highlighting the national significance of this regional show. The two prestigious competitions attract some of the best quality produce in the country, with hundreds of entries each. Other high profile activities include international cider and international sheep shearing competitions.
The four-day extravaganza is not only one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country but it will also be the largest event taking place in Somerset this year. Music lovers missing the Glastonbury Festival this year need not despair as there will be a full programme of live music taking place on the Bath & West Show’s Pilton Tent throughout the event.
Rupert Cox, Chief Executive, said, “This year’s show will consolidate the improvements we have made over the last three years, continuing our recent evolution and ensuring there is something that will entertain and engage people of all ages and interests.
“We are proud to educate and inform our visiting public about living and working in the countryside, highlighting the skill and commitment of our farmers and producers who produce some of the best food and drink in the country. Our visitors come to the show to see animals, taste good food, enjoy some retail therapy and be entertained, and fundamentally this is what the Royal Bath & West Show delivers in abundance. We are naturally very proud of our show and encourage people to come along and enjoy the best of British agriculture, entertainment and food & drink.”
The Royal Bath & West Show is England’s only four-day royal show. Taking place at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, it is a celebration of agriculture and rural lifestyle, embracing heritage and innovation alike.
Information and tickets are available from www.bathandwest.com, with a special Advance Saver ticket available until 29 May, which admits one adult plus two children free of charge for only £22.