Thousands of visitors expected at Nottinghamshire County Show this weekend at Newark Showground

Preparations are well underway for the return of the Nottinghamshire County Show this weekend.

The event, which attracted around 15,000 people last year, will take place at Newark Showground this Saturday (May 11) from 9am to 5pm.

There will be a lot to enjoy on the day, from entertainment in the main ring and prize winning animal competitions, to craft markets and food stalls selling local produce.

It is one of the first agricultural shows in the 2024 countryside calendar, with visitors traveling from all over the county and further afield — tickets are currently available online for £18, with free entry for children aged 16 and under.

Organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society with the aim of showcasing the very best of local rural living, including animals and produce, machinery, the people who work in the agricultural industry and their way of life.

A special flyover from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Hurricane will thrill the crowds at 3.24pm.

There will be more entertainment on the day with performances acts such as the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the Young Farmers Clubs’ lawnmower race and gun dog displays.

Organisers are also expecting a bumper entry in the livestock competitions, with sheep, goats, pigs and cattle all vying for best-in-show rosettes, including, new for this year, Highland Cattle.

There is also a family-friendly dog show — where owners can enter their own pets —, miniature donkeys, a countryside skills area, and a number of county-wide groups, organisations, performers, bands, and musicians will offer activities and entertain visitors all day long in the community zone.

Elsewhere, crafters, cooks and gardeners will be showing off in the ‘Make, Bake and Grow’ section, which will feature prize flower-arranging, cake competitions, home-grown vegetables and painting.

Meanwhile, visitors can also enjoy a bite to eat with the Festival of Food, where they can sample the best independent food and drink from across the region, all while enjoying live music performed at the bandstand.

A helpful map and timings for specific events and competitions can be found here: https://nottinghamshirecountyshow.com/assets/07305---ncs-2024-folded-map-leaflet-print-(5)_compressed.pdf

There will be free on site parking, with signs directing motorists to the show along the A17, which is easily accessible from the A46 and the A1.

Alternatively visitors who choose to take public transport can make the most of shuttle bus service, provided by Vectare Transport, which will be ferrying showgoers to and from town throughout the day.

The bus will stop at Newark Bus Station, Kirkgate, Newark Northgate station, and Newark Showground be located outside purple gate.

Bus tickets will be priced at £4 for adults, £2.50 for under 19s, £9 for groups of four, and £2.50 for those with a valid ENCTS pass.

For more information, visit the Nottinghamshire County Show website.