Don't do anything else on May 31 and June 1 - the county's greatest event is officially back in the calendar and promises to be bigger and better than ever
There is nothing else like the Suffolk Show. Two great days out at Trinity Park in Ipswich, with something for everyone to enjoy, it's a colourful celebration of food, farming, agriculture, and all that makes our county great. This year it's on Tuesday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 1 and organisers say it will be the best show yet.
Joyful Jubilee
This year, Suffolk Show organisers have been working on exciting features to honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Visitors can walk through the commemorative avenue of trees, purchase their Jubilee merchandise, and explore a new, one-off historical display which showcases all aspects of Suffolk life through the Platinum decades – from education and music, to transport and technology. In the Collins Grand Ring, visitors can also enjoy a hair-raising performance from the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team on both show days, and a special Jubilee Pageant on the second day of the Show, Wednesday 1 June.
A grand day out for the whole family
The Suffolk Show offers something for all ages with new attractions, free interactive activities, and plenty of shopping opportunities to discover around the showground. Bring the whole family and enjoy a great value day out.
Free fun for kids
Under 15s receive free entry to the Suffolk Show again this year and there are hundreds of things for youngsters to see and do for free. The Sports Village is packed with have-a-go sports like cycling, dance, football, and archery. Other popular interactive areas are the Suffolk Skills Zone where you can try cookery and crafts with local college students, the action-packed Military Zone with high-tech machinery to explore, and the BT Innovation Zone where you can try coding a robot.
Foodie heaven
The Suffolk Show is a foodie’s dream day out, with mouth-watering flavours round every corner. The Adnams Food and Drink Experience is where you’ll find East Anglia’s finest produce, from luxurious brownies to artisan cheese. For food on the go, visit Adnams Beach Eats and enjoy a seaside-style picnic in a deck chair, or explore Greene King Eat Street for a feast of international cuisine.
Shop till you drop
As the county’s biggest pop-up shopping experience, it’s a great spot for retail therapy while supporting local independent businesses. Head to Dummett Copp Fifth Avenue for the latest country fashion trends and exclusive brands that won’t be found on the high street or visit the Hopkins Homes Art Show for a chance to meet local artists and browse exclusive paintings and sculptures. For true home inspiration, the Best of Suffolk Lifestyle Pavilion has everything from kitchens to cushions.
Loveable animals
Cows, sheep, horses, guineapigs… the Suffolk Show is a grand day out for animals of all shapes and sizes! It is a special opportunity to get close to different animals, seeing different breeds like the rare Suffolk Punch horse or the local Red Poll cattle, as well as meeting the farmers who have often spent generations bringing their livestock to the show every year. The Farm Discovery Zone is where children get a hands-on farming experience by feeding a lamb, holding a day-old chick, or riding a mini tractor. Horse lovers won’t want to miss browsing the stands in the equestrian area with a chance to meet horses and riders and watch international show jumping and traditional carriage driving.
Country traditions and farming roots
The Suffolk Show is organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, whose charitable aim is to educate the next generation on the importance of food and farming in our county. Although the show celebrates a variety of industries, farming and agriculture is at its core. All around the showground there are opportunities to learn about Suffolk’s role in growing and harvesting food, as well as getting up close to giant agricultural machinery.
The show also recognises traditional trades in the Countryside and Wildlife Area, with live demonstrations from JP Lewis Thatching, ironwork from Kingdom Forge, and skilled woodcraft from Luke Chapman, chainsaw carver, among others.
All-day entertainment
For visitors with weary feet, have a seat in the public grandstand and enjoy a full schedule of entertainment across eight main Rings. The Collins Grand Ring hosts a variety of entertainment from Heavy Horses to the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross Team. Favourites in the President’s Ring include the Shetland Pony Grand National and the comical Mascot Race!
Get your tickets
Early-bird tickets for the Suffolk Show are £26.50 per adult (tickets will be £28.50 per adult if purchased after May 21 and £30 per adult on the gate) while young people between 15 to 18 are £7.50. Children under 15 years are free, and car parking is also free this year so visitors can spend less time at the gate and more time enjoying all that the show has to offer.
To find out more or to book your tickets, visit suffolkshow.co.uk
