Shropshire Star

Show's history stretches back 140 years

The history of the Shropshire County Show stretches back more than 140 years and has made its home in a showground in the heart of Shrewsbury.

Published

It draws farmers, families and livestock from all over region and has its roots in agricultural history of the county and is a reminder of the heritage of the area.

Formerly called the West Mid Show (short for Shropshire and West Midlands Show), it is held at the 53-acre Greenhous West Mid Showground on the outskirts of the town.

The show, which is a showcase of all that is good in Shropshire, is held usually in May and has attracted crowds of up to 40,000 people from across the region.

In November 2009 the society which ran the show went into liquidation and all staff were made redundant with immediate effect.

By the end of 2014 the debts had been reduced by two thirds and the trustees were therefore able to start investing in the infrastructure of the showground.

The society is now run by a board of trustees.

Over the years the event has developed from a livestock show into one with motorcycle display teams, dog agility, equine shows including a gymkhana, craft tents and choirs and local bands performing. The county's young farmers' groups also be battle it out to be named winner in the popular floats competition.

Aside from the highly successful agricultural show, there are events at the showground on most weekends, including a new separate Horse Show, The Mid-Shropshire Vintage Club Show, November Bonfire, and the Shrewsbury Folk Festival which is held on the August Bank Holiday weekend. There are also regular, well-attended car boot sales that are held on Sunday mornings.

The showground is also used for camping. It is the nearest camp site to the middle of Shrewsbury - the town centre is just over a mile away.