South of England Show returns for 2021 as a three-day "long weekend"

The South of England Show is back for 2021, inviting you to celebrate the delights of the countryside.
South of England ShowSouth of England Show
South of England Show

It runs on Friday, June 11, Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 9am-6.30pm at the South of England Showground, Ardingly.

Spokeswoman Anna Harris said: “It’s been a long-awaited date in the social calendar during the pandemic, but the South of England Agricultural Society is delighted to announce that the South of England Show will go ahead this year.

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“The show is held at the iconic South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, which has been deemed a ‘Good to Go’ venue by Visit England. For the first time in its 54-year history, the event will run over a three-day long weekend to accommodate ticket demand from its growing, family-based audience.

“Adhering to strict Covid-19 regulations, visitor numbers to the Showground will be restricted but the event will still run from 9am to 6.30pm each day. 2021’s South of England Show will take visitors back to the event’s ‘roots’ with agriculture, country pursuits and connecting with the countryside and its industries at the core of the show.

“While the equine showing and livestock competing elements cannot take place this year due to Covid regulations, and other elements of the show will be different to previous years to accommodate the new safety restrictions, beloved classics such as the livestock parades, international showjumping and inter hunt relay will still feature in the 2021 programme. As will the popular Food Hall and Village, which will feature a wonderful array of local producers from across the South, including a new Grape & Grain Zone featuring local vineyards and microbreweries. Livestock will still play a prominent part at the show, with displays and demonstrations throughout the 3 days, with exhibitors bringing their animals along so that visitors still get this unique opportunity to see and learn all about them.

“Shopping opportunities also feature, with something for everyone from budding equestrians and dog lovers, to the countryside fashionista and avid gardener. Visitors looking to experience traditional countryside activities and crafts are also sure to enjoy the hedge-laying, sheep shearing, country sports area and traditional Sussex trug making demonstrations.

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“There will be plenty of entertainment for the younger members of the family too. They can meet and learn about hundreds of animals, take part in an array of interactive experiences and an activity trail, learn about where their food comes from and how it’s produced, be amazed and laugh out loud at the sheep show, test their knowledge with quizzes and competitions in the Discover the Countryside area, and so much more.

“Even the teenagers will enjoy the show with many an ‘instagramable moment’ to capture, including spotting the next big thing with buskers from local music colleges, experiencing life as a Saxon or Viking in the medieval re-enactment zone, enjoying the rides at the fairground, and watching the always exciting equestrian displays in the main ring.”

Corrie Ince, show director for the South of England Agricultural Society, added: “The South of England Show is our biggest event of the year. Over the years we have welcomed millions of visitors who have experienced the delights that country living can bring. While this year’s show will of course have to be different to adhere to the new covid safety measures, it will still offer our visitors the chance to really connect with the countryside, as well as rural businesses and local food producers They can see, meet, learn and even buy from the farmers and landowners that we are lucky enough to have in the South and it’s a chance to support the British countryside that has supported us so much during the pandemic.

“Furthermore, the South of England Agricultural Society is actually a charity and events like this, as well as showcasing agriculture, horticulture, forestry 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 and training bursaries for people working in the farming sector, our charity carries out vital work. We want people to know that when they visit the South of England Show that they will also be supporting these fantastic projects and people across the South East.”

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Tickets for the South of England Show must be booked online in advance from www.seas.org.uk. Tickets cost £19.80 for adults, £18 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of 10% online discount until 3.06.21) - under 16s go free however there is a suggested donation of £1 for children aged 5-15.