Country shows stand as cornerstone events in the UK farming calendar, showcasing the industry’s scale and significance with some events featuring over 6,000 livestock entries per show. These gatherings serve as vital hubs where farmers, outdoor tradesmen, and other agricultural professionals converge to exchange expertise, discover innovations, and build lasting industry relationships.
The 2025 show circuit promises exceptional opportunities for everyone, and the economic impact of these events is substantial! The Royal Welsh Show alone generates an estimated £40 million for its local economy annually, while the Great Yorkshire Show hosts more than 1,000 expo stands displaying everything from cutting-edge agricultural equipment to artisanal products.
From hands-on crop demonstrations to specialized industry seminars, British agricultural shows offer unparalleled exposure to industry advancement while driving innovation and progress in agriculture.
In this meaty article, we’ll explore a few of the leading agricultural shows from the UK events industry. Covering everything from distinctive show offerings to exhibitor advantages, related industry professionals won’t want to miss this!
Who Attends UK Country Shows?
Before we take a gander at some of the big show names, we think it’s important for industry professionals to know what they’re getting into.
When it comes to surpassing your business goals, some key attendees to look out for at top British Country Shows include:
- Farmers and other agricultural professionals
- Rural and urban families
- Trade buyers and sellers
- Livestock experts and enthusiasts, including equestrians, veterinarians, farriers, and more
- Environmental experts
- Key policymakers and other industry influencers
- Crafters and hobbyists
With such a diverse set of attendees, it’s no wonder agricultural shows in the UK are such a popular outlet for business growth and exposure!
Royal Welsh Show
Dates: 21-24 July 2025
Venue: Royal Welsh Show Ground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3SY
Run by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, the acclaimed Royal Welsh Show is a country show like no other. This four-day spectacle of everything agriculture across Wales features breathtaking attractions, nail-biting competitions, varied livestock classes, and a rich set of trade show exhibitors.
Almost a quarter of a million people visit the show each year, making it one of the largest in the country.
Key Benefits for Exhibitors:
- A Dedicated Exhibition Centre: The South Glamorgan Exhibition Hall is located centrally within the showground and offers 3960 square metres of indoor exhibition room for exhibitors.
- Increased Exposure: With high annual attendance figures that regularly exceed 200,000 people, exhibitors gain access to a vast and diverse audience; this is invaluable for boosting brand awareness.
- High Visitor Engagement: Most exhibitors report positive experiences with customers; 83% of exhibitors felt the show’s visitor profile met their expectations.
Royal Highland Show
Dates: 19-22 June 2025
Venue: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB
The Royal Highland Show stands tall as Scotland’s premier agricultural show on the annual calendar. Featuring the best in Scottish produce, livestock, and horse riding, the Royal Highland Show is elevated further with live music performances held on each Saturday opening.
Visitors and exhibitors can also observe some livestock demonstration sessions, of which sheep shearing is particularly popular.
Key Benefits for Exhibitors:
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Various sponsorship packages are available to exhibitors to help them stand out from the crowd.
- High-quality Networking: As the premier Scottish country show, the Royal Highland Show unites the most important industry professionals in a single location.
- Economic Impact: Businesses can rest easy knowing the show contributes significantly to the local and regional economy.
Great Yorkshire Show
Dates: 8-11 July 2025
Venue: Regional Agricultural Centre,Great Yorkshire Showground, Railway Road, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
From the delicious local food and drink to the variety of entertainment options, the Great Yorkshire Show is another UK country show that hits the ball out of the park. As one of the oldest and most popular shows in Britain, it’s a prestigious show that also offers something for everyone to celebrate.
The show also raises funds for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a charity that supports the agricultural industry in the North of England.
Key Benefits for Exhibitors:
- Sustainable Reputation: All waste generated during the show is recycled or converted into energy, making this Yorkshire country show one of the most sustainable in the country.
- Prestigious Platform: As one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in the UK, the Great Yorkshire Show is highly regarded in the global agriculture industry.
- Seamless Accessibility: A free return shuttle bus option only adds to the wide variety of transportation options available to attendees and exhibitors alike.
Grow with us at UK Country Shows
The Royal Welsh, Royal Highland, and Great Yorkshire Shows represent far more than mere agricultural events—they are pivotal platforms that transform potential into progress. For exhibitors, these shows offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase innovations, connect with key industry decision-makers, and position themselves at the forefront of agricultural advancement.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’d like to propel the British agricultural sector forward at one of these shows, let us be your guide. With years of experience under our belt, we’re an exhibition stand builder you can rely on.
Which is the best country show?
The Royal Welsh, Royal Highland, and Great Yorkshire Shows represent some of the most influential country shows in the UK and Europe as a whole.
What is the biggest country show?
The Royal Welsh and Great Yorkshire Shows are the country shows with the largest attendance figures and footprints in the UK.
What country shows are coming up?
The Royal Three Counties Show is one of the earlier shows in the calendar; it is held in May each year.
How many country shows are there in the UK?
There are hundreds of UK country shows, but the exact number varies from year to year.