The New Forest Show arrives from July 26-28 2016. Plan your day around our favourite attractions
1. Metropolitan Mounted Police
The Show organisers are delighted to be welcoming the Metropolitan Mounted Police to the Show for the first time this year as the main ring attraction. They will be wowing the crowds with their fun, fast moving Activity Ride each day in the Hoburne East Ring. Visitors will witness riders removing their saddles and jackets whilst their horses clear a selection of bush jumps. Their breathtaking performance also involves horses jumping through rings of fire and through large paper walls. Don’t miss their incredible performance every day at the Show.
2. Trade stands
With more than 600 different trade stands attending the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, shoppers will be spoilt for choice this year. The Show is pleased to be welcoming back many popular stands as well as lots of new stands too. If you shop ‘til you drop, the stands in the Food Hall just might tempt you in with their delicious sights and smells. The tea room inside provides the perfect excuse to stop and grab some tasty refreshments and rest up weary feet. The Local Produce market will also be showcasing some of the best local ingredients from across The New Forest and Hampshire from more than 30 producers. Watch live cooking demonstrations from top local chefs in the demo theatre and don’t forget the Show’s shop and drop facility will take care of any purchases you may make during the day, and have them ready for you to collect on the way home.
3. New Forest Trust Fine Crafted Wood Exhibition
The Future of the New Forest is more certain and sustainable if its timber continues to be used to make useful things. This ensures resources return to the Forest to pay for its conservation. The New Forest Trust wants to show the world what is being achieved by professionals, non-professionals and those learning to make furniture from wood. Joining these thoughts together led to the idea for an annual competition and exhibition at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show. All this can be seen in the beautiful Pavilion – a fine piece of wood craftsmanship in itself and a beautiful place to unwind and browse the inspiring pieces.
4. Show Farm
The Show Farm is back for 2016 and is the perfect area of the showground to visit if you are looking for a hands-on experience. Run by locally based Longdown Activity Farm, the Show Farm will be providing lots of opportunities to take part in interactive encounters with a variety of farmyard animals. From stroking rabbits to holding chicks, visitors are guaranteed to enjoy their unforgettable farmyard experience enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
5. Guinness World Record Attempt
This year the Show is inviting visitors to join in with the daily attempt to break the world record for the ‘Most Wellington Boots Thrown Simultaneously’. The current record stands at 348, which organisers will be hoping to break. Why not join the team at 4.30pm each day in the Hoburne East Ring and be part of the exciting world record attempt. Joules are sponsoring the attempt and have kindly provided the wellington boots for everyone to sling. All wellington boots will be donated to a chosen charity straight after the Show.
6. Craft and Village Green
Wander amongst the craft tents featuring more than 70 stands selling a selection of unique, handmade products. Craft demonstrations will take place throughout each day, which provides a fascinating insight into how some of the products are made. Visitors can sit back and relax on the village green and listen to the traditional live music. Don’t miss the wonderful selection of miniature steam engines on display as well.
7. Family Fun Area
This popular area of the showground dedicated to children provides all day entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Watch a fun-packed programme of displays including circus workshops, Nasira belly dancers, the Sing Now Choir and much more. New for 2016 is the opportunity for children to take part in craft activities.
8. Flower & Garden Show
Stimulate your senses and take in the sights and smells of beautiful, landscaped gardens. The flower tent gives visitors the opportunity to wander amongst flower arranging and plant displays from local trade nurseries. If you’re feeling green fingered this summer, the Flower & Garden Show is the perfect place to go to find some inspiration. You will come across an abundance of unusual flowers on display as well as experts on hand to give you their top tips on getting the best out of your garden.
Why not visit the Vegetable Show too and admire entries into the southern vegetables championship, which is also held at the Show.
9. Sheep Show
The Sheep Show is returning to New Park once again and always proves hugely popular with the crowds. The educational yet entertaining display provides visitors with lots of interesting information about the different breeds of sheep. Watch sheep shearing live in action and learn how wool is processed to create cosy woollen jumpers. Accompanied by humorous commentary, the Sheep Show has visitors returning to watch again and again.
10. Main Ring Attractions
In addition to the fantastic Metropolitan Mounted Police, there is a timetable brimming with popular main ring attractions including the sixteen pairs of heavy horses, who will be taking part in the World Famous Heavy Horse Musical Drive.
International Show Jumping will also be taking place in the Hoburne East Ring, which will see top riders from across the country compete in the International Trail and International Stairway.
The Tractor Tug of War and The Grand Parade of Livestock will also be entertaining the crowds each day.
