Come and celebrate 60 years of excitement at Malvern Showground
The Royal Three Counties Show returns for its 60th year at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern - and it’s the biggest celebration of the great British countryside yet.
With more than 90,000 visitors expected to join the landmark event in the agricultural calendar, it’s set to be a hearty feast of farming, fine food and family entertainment.
Diana Walton, Head of Shows at the Three Counties, said: “We’re incredibly proud to mark the 60th year of our namesake show. Our roots stretch back over 220 years but this year we’re celebrating our ‘diamond’ anniversary at the showground with a sparkling line up. We’ve some wonderful new additions including our Gardening Hub, Ask the Groom and the much-loved actors from the Archers.”
This year Worcestershire hosts the show, sharing some of the best bits of the county with visitors. Worcestershire Music will entertain the crowds, and visitors can follow a trail of beautiful works of art from celebrated artist, David Birtwhistle. The extremely popular, Medieval re-enactment camp returns to focus on Worcestershire’s exciting history and The Firs, birth place of Sir Edward Elgar, will be showcasing an original piano owned by Elgar.
The Archers
What better way to celebrate an anniversary than to welcome the much-loved characters from the world’s longest-running radio soap opera. Favourites from the show will give talks alongside judging a range of competitions and some lucky visitors will even get the opportunity to meet some of Ambridge’s finest.
Gardening Hub
An area dedicated to gardening enthusiasts, this horticultural hub hosts a roadshow with BBC presenter and gardening consultant, Martin Fish, offering interactive workshops and question and answer sessions. The International Orchid Show returns with exhibitors from all over the world and stunning new varieties. There will be award winning local nurseries where visitors will be able to stock up on seasonal favourites and the popular Village Show will be bursting with beautiful blooms and spectacular vegetables. This year the Women’s Institute’s coveted Huxley Cup will be competed for at the show to mark the Worcestershire W.I.’s centenary year, which will be presented to one lucky winner at the showground.
Wellington Boot Theatre
Hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter, Andrew Easton, the theatre shines a spotlight on inspiring outdoor activities. There will be Q&As with Andrew and his guests, including BBC Countryfile presenter and Show Ambassador, Adam Henson. Visitors will also hear from Worcester Warriors players, swimmer Claire Cashmore and PGA golfer Oliver Farr.
Ask the groom / Equine Village
An opportunity to talk through all there is to know about caring for horses and admire the magnificent Hook Norton Heavy Horses. Horse lovers will also have plenty of new classes to marvel at including in hand sports horse classes. This year’s village will show off more than 290 equine classes with show jumping and driving among the most popular features.
Food glorious food
Showcasing the very best national and local produce, the Food & Drink Hall will offer a host of tasty treats to try whilst the Cookery Theatre will demonstrate a range of dishes created from produce featured at the show. Visit the Cider Festival or admire the selection of Three Counties dairy produce on display in the Cheese & Dairy Produce Show.
Main Arena
The action-packed Main Arena entertainment features the highly entertaining Shetland Pony Grand National, the jaw-dropping Red Devil parachute displays, sheepdog displays from international sheep dog handler Dick Roper, a parade of farm machinery through the ages, and the always impressive Grand Parade, featuring each day’s livestock champions.
Farming Village
This is the place to check out some of the finest livestock around with no less than 120 breeds of animals and almost 900 classes. There’ll be sheep shearing competitions, farming heroes on hand to answer any questions and entertainment from Young Farmers. Fur, Feather, Farm is the place for all to enjoy and see rabbits, alpacas and goats and say hello to chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. Find out how to look after a wide variety of animals and prepare them for shows in this educational area with roving microphone talks explaining the judging process. Craft lovers will also get the chance to learn how to carve wooden spoons and shape wooden swords in a series of workshops.
Countryside Village
An action-packed programme includes galloping acrobatics, pole climbing, breath-taking falconry, impressive animal displays and country sports demonstrations.
Ask the farmer
Teaming up with Rare Breeds Survival Trust, this area provides the perfect opportunity to ask any farming related questions in a relaxed setting. Special expert guests will share their experiences in an interactive ring with displays of cattle, sheep and pigs.
Young Enterprise Zone
It’s business first and foremost in this new area packed with fresh ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm for the rural economy. Aimed at encouraging youngsters to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit in the agricultural and associated industries, the Three Counties Agricultural Society has teamed up with various schools, sixth forms and colleges to help them start-up small businesses. Visitors will get to chat to these business-minded students as they show-off their rural products.
The Royal Three Counties Show will take place from Friday June 15 until Sunday June 17. Tickets are now on sale. Advanced tickets are from £19 for adults and £5 for children, family tickets are also available.
For information on ticket prices and further information on the show, please visit www.royalthreecounties.co.uk or call 0844 811 0050.
