Celebrate the best of the Island

By IW Observer.co.uk Jun 24, 2022

The Royal Isle of Wight County Show returns this weekend with a bumper two-day event.

The show last took place in 2019 and featured a memorable display by the Household Cavalry. This year’s special guests are the Queen’s Colour Squadron, who recently performed at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Graham Biss, chairman of the show, said: “Over the years the County Show has expanded from a small agricultural show to a full-on family event, featuring displays, tractors, marching bands, sheep sheering competitions, equestrian events and vintage fair rides. It’s a mash-up of Countryfile, The Great British Bake Off and a traditional country fair… and this year it will be even bigger and better.” Graham continued: “We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience and celebrate the best of the Island’s agriculture, food, arts and crafts. We appreciate that, in the current climate, everyone is looking for good value, so the show is free for all children accompanied by an adult.”

Livestock is still at the heart of the event, with hundreds of animals including cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Plus horses, ponies… and alpacas! The show farm gives children the opportunity to get up close to farmyard animals and experience a slice of rural life.

There is an expanded retail area this year – shopaholics can browse the trade stands selling everything from the latest 4×4 cars to hot tubs.

Around the showground in Northwood there will be opportunities to have a go at traditional rural crafts such as hurdle-making, charcoal-making and spoon-whittling. And for something more tranquil, there is a seven-acre woodland, ideal for a walk in the shade and a quiet pint at the Woodside Bar.

The County Show began in 1833. Queen Victoria was a big fan and she became the first patron in 1882. She exhibited her sheep and gave the show its prestigious royal title. The show’s organisers, the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society, are very proud of this royal patronage. To continue the royal theme and extend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, there will be a giant jubilee picnic at the Show’s Village Green area on Sunday.

The show will be on Saturday June 25 and Sunday 26 from 10am-5pm. An Adult day ticket is £10.50 on-line (£12.50 on the gate), and a weekend ticket £15 on-line (£20 on the gate). Under-16s are free with a paying adult. For tickets and more information, go to iwcountyshow.co.uk.