As the dust settles on another hugely successful annual show, the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society committee behind the event has announced there are changes planned for next year – the first being the usual date.
Shropshire County Show is traditionally held on the Saturday of the late May bank holiday weekend, but in 2027 it will be held the weekend before the bank holiday – on Saturday May 22.
Show secretary Arthur Hill said: “Following careful consideration of feedback from visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders over a number of years, we have taken the decision to move the event forward by one week in 2027.
“We regularly hear from families who would like to attend the show but are often away during the half-term holiday period, while the traditional date also coincides with a number of other major events across the region.
“Moving the show to the previous weekend will help make it accessible to a wider audience and reduce clashes for visitors.
“The change will also provide greater opportunities for schools, colleges and other educational establishments to participate in the event, as the show date will be in term time.
“Importantly, before making the decision, we consulted closely with our livestock and equine committee members to ensure the revised date would not adversely affect competitors, exhibitors or the high-quality entries for which the Shropshire County Show is known.
“We are confident the new date will continue to support our strong agricultural focus while creating new opportunities to grow the show and welcome even more visitors.”
The 2027 event is also set to see the introduction of a new Countryside and Rural Life area, designed to help visitors better understand the people, skills and communities that underpin rural life.
While plans are still being developed, the new area is set to bring together a mixture of demonstrations, hands-on activities, educational exhibits and traditional countryside skills, creating opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn more about where their food comes from, how the countryside is managed and the role farming continues to play in everyday life.
The Society is exploring ways to shine a spotlight on the organisations that support farmers and rural communities, alongside showcasing the craftsmanship, knowledge and heritage skills that have shaped the countryside for generations.
Mr Hill added: “The Shropshire County Show has always celebrated agriculture and rural life, but we are keen to build on that by creating more opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the people and organisations behind it.
“We want families to come away with a greater understanding of modern farming, the countryside and the communities that make it all possible.”
The Society is also planning to launch a new volunteer initiative for 2027 called Showmakers, providing people aged 13 and over with the opportunity to play a hands-on role in helping deliver one of the county’s largest annual events.
The initiative aims to encourage greater community involvement in the Show while helping to inspire the next generation of volunteers, organisers and ambassadors for agriculture and rural life.
Further details will be announced in the coming months, but anyone interested in becoming a Showmaker is encouraged to register their interest by contacting the Show team on showsecretary@shropshirecountyshow.com.
“Volunteers have always played a vital role in the success of the Shropshire County Show and the Showmakers initiative is about creating more opportunities for people to get involved and feel part of the event,” added Mr Hill.
“We hope it will appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds who would like to contribute to the Show while gaining valuable experience and enjoying a unique behind-the-scenes insight into how such a large event comes together.”
