| Shows
Royal Three Counties Show
celebrating 60 years at Malvern
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.
ith 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 reenactment camp returns to focus on
Worcestershire’s exciting history and The Firs,
birth placeof Sir Edward Elgar, will be
showcasing an original piano owned by Elgar.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2018
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
W
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
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.
MAIN ARENA
The action-packed Main Arena ent ertainment
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.
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.
FARMING VILLAGE / FUR, FEATHER, FARM
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 15 June until Sunday 17
June.
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
June 2018 | Farming Monthly | 27