Major changes revealed for Shropshire County Show 2027

The Shropshire County Show will return next year on a new date - one of several changes planned for 2027.

Organiser Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society says it wants to bring the show forward a week in order to attract more families and engage with schools.

The event is usually held on the Saturday of the late May bank holiday weekend but in 2027 it will take place a week earlier on Saturday May 22.

Shropshire County Show takes place at the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury and features live entertainment and music, horse and dog shows, trade producers and exhibits.

Secretary Arthur Hill said: "Following careful consideration of feedback from visitors, exhibitors and stakeholders over a number of years, we have taken the decision to move the event forward by one week in 2027.

"We regularly hear from families who would like to attend the show but are often away during the half-term holiday period while the traditional date also coincides with a number of other major events across the region.

"Moving the show to the previous weekend will help make it accessible to a wider audience and reduce clashes for visitors. The change will also provide greater opportunities for schools, colleges and other educational establishments to participate in the event as the show date will be in term time.

"We are confident the new date will continue to support our strong agricultural focus while creating new opportunities to grow the show and welcome even more visitors."

The 2027 event will also see the introduction of a new countryside and rural life area, designed to help visitors better understand the people, skills and communities that underpin rural life.

While plans are still being developed, the new area is set to bring together a mixture of demonstrations, hands-on activities, educational exhibits and traditional countryside skills.

The aim is to give visitors of all ages the chance to learn more about where food comes from, how the countryside is managed and the role farming continues to play in everyday life.

The society said it was exploring ways to shine a spotlight on the organisations that support farmers and rural communities, alongside showcasing the craftsmanship and knowledge that shapes the countryside.

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A new volunteer initiative called 'Showmakers' will offer people aged 13 the opportunity to play a hands-on role in helping deliver one the events.

It is aiming to encourage greater community involvement in the show while helping to inspire the next generation of volunteers, organisers and ambassadors for agriculture and rural life.

"Volunteers have always played a vital role in the success of the Shropshire County Show and the Showmakers initiative is about creating more opportunities for people to get involved," added Mr Hill.

"We hope it will appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds who would like to contribute while gaining valuable experience and enjoying a unique behind-the-scenes insight into how such a large event comes together."

Further details will be announced in the coming months but anyone interested in volunteering can register their interest by emailing [email protected].