51°3′16″N 0°5′19″W / 51.05444°N 0.08861°W
South of England Show | |
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Genre | County show |
Dates | First Thursday in June for three days |
Location(s) | Ardingly, Sussex |
Years active | 1967 – present |
Attendance | 84,000 (2009)[1] |
Website | The South of England Show |
The South of England Show is a county show held annually at its own showground in Ardingly, Sussex during June.[2][3]
The show was founded in 1967 and is organised by the South of England Agricultural Society, which has been patronised by Queen Elizabeth II and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, respectively.[4][5] The show attracts up to about 80,000 visitors every year.[6][7][1]
The show still contains its central agricultural theme, with livestock including dairy and beef cattle, sheep and pigs,[8][9] with thousands of animals on display.[10] The show has grown from its agricultural roots to include a large equestrian contingent, including showjumping, showing and heavy horse displays.[11]
The show also includes a large number of trade stands as well as a food hall, flower marquee and crafts. The main arena at the showground hosts a variety of displays from all the disciplines on show, including equestrian, livestock and musical, as well as special display items such as motorcycle displays and a parade of foxhounds from the local fox hunts.[10][12][13]