Get ready for an action-packed weekend of family fun, excitement and, of course, plenty of animals at the Royal Three Counties Show, taking place at Three Counties Showground from 16 – 18 June 2023. And don’t forget to bring Dad along on Father’s Day for an extra special treat!
The Royal Three Counties Show is one of the UK’s largest livestock and equine shows, so a highlight for many visitors is the impressive daily Grand Parade of Livestock in the Main Arena. Be inspired by the young handler classes where the next generation of farmers get the chance to show their cows, sheep, pigs and goats.
Families will also have the unique opportunity to get close to some of the finest livestock from across the UK as they’re prepped for the show ring and make the most of opportunities to chat to farmers about their animals. Similarly, the Fur, Feather and Farm area is an absolute must-visit where little ones can make friends with adorable alpacas and goats. The Bees and Honey area will provide fascinating live bee demonstrations, during which bees will be tracked as they fly off in search of pollen from the showground and then return during the day.
There will be horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes taking part in showing, show jumping and demonstrations throughout the weekend. The new Stable Yard area will provide children with the chance to get up close to ponies, take part in interactive workshops relating to pony care and learn more about careers in the equestrian industry. The Pony Racing Authority will also set up Equicizer machines on the Friday, giving children and school groups the chance to experience the thrill of race riding on mechanical horses.
For those looking for high-octane entertainment, the Main Arena will host an array of exciting entertainment across the weekend, including the remarkable under 18s motorcycle display team (the IMPS) on Saturday and Sunday, Paul Hannam’s Quad Bike display team on Friday, and the ever-popular British Army Parachute Display Team, the Red Devils. Make sure you also drop in to watch some fast and furious Sheep Shearing and cheer on lumberjacks and lumberjills as they take part in the thrilling 2023 STIHL British TIMBERSPORTS® Championships.
Head to the Countryside Arena and be wowed by the impressive skills on display from the sheepdogs and gundogs, admire the majestic heavy horses or have-a-go at a fun fishing and fly-tying sessions. The exhilarating display from Hawkeye Falconry promises to have everyone on the edge of their seats, as highly trained birds of prey showcase their natural hunting prowess and aerial acrobatics. Little ones will love having a go at an obstacle course while driving in their very own mini Land Rover, while nearby, families can enjoy watching the gundog scurry competitions.
Expect to hear choruses of “aww” at Rosie’s Mini Pony Show, returning to the Royal Three Counties Show due to popular demand. Sprinkled with charming comedy and magic, these lovable miniature horses are sure to prance and trot their way into the hearts of both young and old.
The ultimate showcase of skill and precision awaits in the blacksmithing area, where farriers from all over the UK compete head-to-head in the highly anticipated Farrier Championships. Watch in awe as sparks fly and the heat intensifies with each second, as talented farriers race against the clock to forge the perfect horseshoe and expertly shoe horses and ponies in a true test of strength and craftsmanship.
Thrill-seekers can then head to Adventure Avenue where sports including high-energy Lacrosse workshops will see visitors learn new skills from experienced coaches – with lots of laughter, healthy competition and opportunities to show off some sporting talent.
Strap on your space helmet and prepare for take-off at the Royal Navy, RAF and Army help STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) enthusiasts take an unforgettable adventure through compressed air rocket launchers, buoyancy experiments and virtual reality demonstrations.
The thrills continue as Savage Skills, the UK’s most accomplished freestyle mountain bike stunt team, offers adrenaline-pumping, have-a-go cycling to test visitors’ skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Visitors can also get in touch with their wild side at the Really Rural Famous Five: Survival Secrets area, where they’ll learn all about shelter building, fire-making, water sourcing, plant and animal identification, and navigating with a compass. And be sure to stop by the Midlands Air Ambulance exhibit to try out CPR training and explore a decommissioned helicopter with the crew.
Education takes an exciting new form at the Royal Three Counties Show, with the LEAF Education exhibit offering interactive activities spanning food and farming on Friday, plus a brand-new Farming Experience Area will take visitors through the Story of Wool, linking the sheep and shearing at the show to have-a-go wool spinning sessions and the chance to learn about different breeds. Higher education providers such as the Royal Agricultural University and Hartpury College will also be on hand to chat about further education courses for those interested in future careers within the agricultural sector.
The new Future of Farming Theatre will host cutting edge farming business talks and will give visitors a glimpse into farming and land-based industries as well as featuring special guest interviews, panel discussions, and book signings with a range of experts, including Clarkson’s Farm funnyman Kaleb Cooper, Ally Hunter Blair and Adam Henson.
You’ll also be able to learn more about the Young Farmers Club, and how to get involved, as various clubs from across the UK will compete in tug-of-war, metalwork, woodwork, Bake Offs, Floral Art, Needlework, Morris dancing and Scarecrow making at the show.
Jane Edwards, Head of Shows, said: “We’re thrilled to showcase the very best of the British countryside at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show. From breath-taking displays and adorable animals to exciting competitions, live music and lots of local food and drink, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – on Father’s Day weekend, no less!
“We’re particularly excited to see young people getting involved in agriculture and rural life through the Young Farmers Club competitions. It’s important to encourage the next generation to appreciate and care for our countryside, and we hope this year’s show inspires them to do just that.”
To find out more about the exciting family fun on offer at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show, see https://www.royalthreecounties.co.uk/whats-on/family-activities/
Tickets are on sale now, costing just £23 in advance and children under 16 are free of charge. To book, visit www.royalthreecounties.co.uk or call 01684 584 924.