Kent County Show returns for 2023
The Kent County Show invites you to celebrate farming, agriculture and food production in the ‘Garden of England’, as the county’s most spectacular countryside event returns on 7th, 8th & 9th July 2023.
The year marks a special achievement for Kent County Agricultural Society, the charity organisers behind the Show, who celebrate their 100th anniversary. The Kent County Show, now in its 92nd year, will acknowledge this great achievement through a number of special displays and exhibits. The ‘One Hundred Years of Farming’ display will take you on a journey back through time with live re-enactments telling the story farming throughout history. Plus learn more about the Society’s past and their charitable work.
The Shetland Pony Grand National, a popular crowd pleaser, is this year’s main ring star attraction. With jockeys aged between 8 and 13 years old, and ponies no bigger than around 40 inches tall, they may be small, but they sure are mighty, and exceptionally fast! Not only do the races make for enthralling entertainment, but the participants are also competing to qualify for the Shetland Pony Grand National finale at the Olympia Horse Show later in the year. Come and cheer on your favourite horse and jockey each day in the Astor Ring.
There will be action in the skies as well as on land, with an anniversary special aerobatic display from the Pitts Special. This world-class biplane with smoke system and unmatched acoustics will make for a breath-taking visual display lasting 15 minutes each day.
For the thrill seekers out there, the show jumping competitions in the Astor Ring make for exciting viewing. Once again, the Show will be holding the exclusive International Trial, bringing top horses and riders from across the country to compete. Other entertainment includes the Lamb National, Sheep Dog Display, falconry displays, fairground rides, and much more.
Livestock remains a core part of the Show, and a favourite amongst visitors. Hundreds of cows, sheep and goats of all sizes, shapes, and colours converge to the Showground with their handlers, competing to take home the prize for ‘Best in Show’. Get up close to the animals in the livestock tents and watch as exhibitors are busy trimming and preening in preparation for showing classes.
The Village Green provides the perfect sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Show, an opportunity to rest your legs and enjoy a picnic, or perhaps try something delicious from an array of cuisines on offer from independent catering units from Kent and beyond. Enjoy live music from great local acts at the bandstand with a glass of Pimms in hand, or head to the public bar and restaurant for refreshments and to try your hand at a round of mini golf.
The Woodland Area showcases the skills and crafts of the woodland and forestry industry and is the perfect place to discover more on the county’s woodlands and the work needed to maintain and conserve them. The Country, Game and Canine Area has trade stands, displays and interactive activities ideal for dog owners. Get involved with have-a-go dog agility and K9 Aqua Sports, who are returning with their popular dock diving activities.
For vehicle enthusiasts, the Heritage Section will boast displays of vintage vehicles and machinery. With classic cars, commercials, buses, motorcycles, tractors, steam and stationary engines, the Heritage Section shows the evolution of transport over time.
Book your tickets online today to take advantage of the pre-Show discount on general admission, kids aged 5 – 13 go for £1.
www.kcas.org.uk/kent-county-show
