Things to see & DO
The organising committee work tirelessly all year to bring the Show to you – we try to ensure there is something for everyone, to provide variety while preserving the traditions of this countryside event. As with all shows of this nature the exact format will vary but the details below give you a great idea of what to expect. There’s so much you may well need to visit on both days!
Animal Marquee
The Animal Marquee will have a variety of animals for everyone to see at close quarters and gives the opportunity to learn more about them through displays and speaking with their owners/breeders.
Please remember that the animals must not be fed and no dogs are allowed in the marquee.
We hope you will all enjoy seeing the animals and join us in thanking the owners for bringing them along to our show.
Arena Events
If you fancy sitting for a while, the arena has a full programme to offer. Notice boards around the perimeter will display the day’s events and timings.
There’s always a packed programme each year. Listen out for the announcements to be sure not to miss anything. Every year we aim to provide a variety of different displays to entertain our visitors throughout the day – and all included in the price of the admission!
Our ever popular audience participation events will take place once again.
Children (& adults) are warmly invited to participate in traditional races such as: Tug of War, Egg and Spoon, Sack and Running. Keep listening for the announcements of the races.
For those of you with dogs at the show, the Dog Racing and Canine Musical Sit are open to everyone who would like to take part.
Art Show
The annual art exhibition is located inside Little Easton Church which is Norman in origin, built on the site of a Saxon structure; some medieval wall paintings still survive.
Inside the church you will find that we have a great array of art work, from small canvas to 3D and photography work, for you to browse at your leisure.
Take a look at the work of the artists. Most of the work is for sale as well.
If you are a local artist or crafter interested in exhibiting then please do get in touch.
Children's Area
By the Rectory, you will find rides and attractions for our younger visitors. Each year we look to provide a variety of fun activities for them to enjoy.
In addition the entire Show is very child/family friendly and provides opportunities for our younger audience to connect with nature, traditions, and discover the local heritage.
Children’s participation is welcome in a number of arena events and the Dog Show and The Horticultural competition has a children’s section that includes craft, baking, and much more – see the schedule here.
Classic Car Show
Sponsors P & A Wood will have a selection of cars displayed on the Church triangle and along the Manor drive. For any information on the cars please speak to a member of their team at the marquee outside the Rectory.
P & A Wood also organize the Classic Car Show which will be held on the Sunday. A variety of cars entered will be displayed on the Manor Lawn and will be judged by P & A Wood, the categories are: Best Restored, Most Original and Best in Show.
On the Monday the Manor Lawn will be host to a variety of different car clubs with a display of their vehicles.
Rolls Royce Rides
Rides in Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will be available from the P & A Wood marquee outside the Rectory. All proceeds to The Five Parishes. Please see a member of the team from P & A Wood for more information.
Dog Show
The Dog Show will take place in its own arena. It will run on both Show days and is always very popular.
Please download the entry form and fill it in ready to hand in on your arrival. Make sure you enter in good time to ensure you get into the class of your choice. Entries will be taken from 12 noon on both days. A ready filled form will fast track the process for you.
We are most grateful to our Dog Show sponsors and hope you will support them.
Horticultural Marquee
The pride of the Five Parishes and beyond!
We will have entries in the Horticultural tent from people who will have been tending to their flowers, nurturing their vegetables and perfecting their cake baking and crafting skills all through the year.
Pop in and see the results of all their hard work, from sloe gins to flower arrangements and the wonderful children’s section.
The tent opens after judging on Sunday morning and entry is included within the cost of your ticket.
Do come and have a look, get inspired to enter – perhaps
it will be you be taking home a rosette nest time!
The Horticultural tent is for ALL. There is a class for EVERYONE.
So why not enter, download the schedule and entry form below and get involved.
We are very grateful to all those who sponsor the Horticultural Marquee.
Rest & Reflect
Take a moment to be in the moment in the quiet pastoral area.
Live Music
Live music will be performed over both days on the Manor Lawn. The acts perform half hour sets throughout the day. A perfect place to relax and listen to the performers.
Retail Therapy
No show is complete without some Retail Therapy and ours is no exception. We have a range of shopping stalls, both new and returning favourites.
Some retail outlets are dotted around the showground; others are within the Craft Marquee and Barn Theatre.
Treat yourself to something different or stock up on early Christmas gifts!
The Ploughing Match
Look over to the field beyond the showground… you will see many vintage tractors going backwards and forwards. Please take a walk over to have a closer look.
Our ploughing match takes place on the Sunday. This is so traditional and is kept alive by the dedicated tractor drivers whose skills should be appreciated. The following day we hold a competition for novices, some of whom have never ploughed before! All the tractors are vintage tractors and maintained by their owners. The majority are from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. Watch how they work and ask any of those ploughing about what they are doing.
Look out for the two different types of plough- the first dragged along on the ground – ‘trailed’, the second lifted up at the end of each row – ‘mounted’.
Don’t miss this spectacle!
Shire Horses
The Jackson Family have shown their Shire Horses every year at our Show but sadly Peter Jackson passed in 2023.
The horses are very happy to attend as before and will be in the arena for you to see them at close quarters. They are situated under the trees where they can keep cool!
Peter’s granddaughters Hannah and Heather Hobin, who now own the horses, will be happy to show them for us all under the name of Elmbrook Shires.
Vintage Tractors
Colourful vintage tractors will be lining the arena. Each manufacturer had a distinctive colour advertising their brand.
Most of these tractors have been restored. One can only wonder at the many hours of dedicated restoration that goes into both the mechanics and bodywork of these old ‘workhorses’.
The owners will be only too pleased to tell you about them!
Judging takes place and awards are handed out on the Monday.
