The Royal Three Counties Show returns to Malvern this summer, to showcase the diverse and delicious food, drink and countryside shopping from across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire at the Three Counties Showground from 16 – 18 June 2023.
From asparagus to apples, potatoes to soft fruit, and wine to cheese, gin, beer and cider, the abundant three counties produce almost everything the UK does as a whole. This year, the Royal Three Counties Show will celebrate the finest produce at its popular Food and Drink Festival, featuring artisan producers, celebrity demos, competitions and delectable samples and sips across a range of experiences.
A gastronomic weekend awaits in the Food and Drink Theatre, with demos by renowned chefs, cheesemakers and butchers showcasing artistry in every dish. Suki Pantal will add a tantalising twist to her daily demonstrations of spiced Indian cookery. While Ludlow Gin will mix up a range of cocktails sure to make most want to skip dinner and head straight for drinks, including espresso martinis with coffee event experts, Stubborn Rhino.
On Friday, Wallers of Ledbury will judge the lamb carcasses competition and demonstrate butchery, offering expert insights into cooking different cuts of lamb at home. Putting the fun into fine dining on Friday and Sunday, Cheltenham’s Restaurant Journey will take visitors on a weird and wonderful journey through Heston-inspired innovation and the chemistry between science and food.
Sunday will see the legendary England Rugby captain, Celebrity Masterchef winner and Gloucestershire Farmer Phil Vickery joining local cheese producers in the Cookery Theatre to showcase the versatility of this dairy delight. While connoisseurs won’t want to miss the daily cheesemaker slots, where samples of some of the UK’s finest cheeses are on offer. Topping off the Food and Drink Theatre line-up, Cotswold farming favourites, Kaleb Cooper and Adam Henson will be championing local food and drink produce in talks with chefs and cheesemakers.
The sparkling drinks scene at the show has something to treat every taste too. Celebrating the booming UK wine industry – set to increase by 9.3% in 2023 – for the first time the Three Counties will introduce the English Wine Show, coinciding with English Wine Week (18 – 26 June). Visitors can browse trade stands from wine producers, including Aldwick Estate and Frome Valley Vineyard, and taste some of the finest wine this country has to offer.
Those who prefer a heartier drink can head to the Cider and Perry Festival and bar in the same marquee, with local producers offering tastings and talks, alongside the International Cider and Perry Championship. Those more partial to sipping something with sparkles can stop by the Champagne Bar, where chilled glasses of bubbles accompany the main arena entertainment.
And don’t miss another new addition – the Cocktail Lounge! Open on Saturday and Sunday, its talented mixologists will serve up favourite cocktails with flair, while guests enjoy the main arena entertainment from ringside seats.
A brand-new Royal Parade will offer an exclusive countryside shopping experience, complete with champagne bar, hosting some of the finest luxury countrywear retailers and sporting suppliers, including Honri Hats, Juice Jewellery, Classique Feathers and Gundog Gin.
Over at the Countryside Arena, rural sports enthusiasts can pick up information and advice from BASC and the National Target Sports Association. Plus, there will be a wide range of stands selling small holding sundries, including Timber Flair chicken housing, luxury country homeware from Gloucestershire-based Homely British Comforts and Worcestershire-based Sabel Lane, and animal treats from Herefordshire’s My Pet Treats, and more!
All this as well as a packed programme of family entertainment, including the Red Devils parachute display team and Prince Philip Cup Pony Club Mounted Games, plus over 6,000 animals, including the iconic daily Grand Parade of Livestock, the National Rare & Minority Breeds Show on Sunday, spectacular show jumping and fascinating sheep dog and gun dog displays. For the full programme, see https://www.royalthreecounties.co.uk/
Jane Edwards, Head of Shows at Three Counties Showground, said: “The food and drink festival at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show features more food, drink and shopping experiences and entertainment than ever before. From the English Wine Show and Cider and Perry Festival to competitions and tradestands featuring over 80 artisan producers, delicacies and tantalising street food, the show celebrates the very best of British produce and promises a true feast for the senses and wonderful family day out!”
Tickets are on sale now, costing just £23 in advance and children under 16 are free of charge. To see the full programme and book tickets visit www.royalthreecounties.co.uk or call 01684 584 924.