Throughout the three days the South of England Agricultural Society will be celebrating all aspects of British country life, promoting and supporting farming, country living and the rural community. The show attracts more than 70,000 visitors each year and is a key date in the diary for the farming and agricultural community and members of the society.
The society’s “year of sheep” theme will be celebrated with special displays in the livestock and discover the countryside zones and will include sheep shearing and herding displays as well as livestock and fleece competitions and more during the three days. Colleges from across the region will be running exhibits and demonstrations and there will be many opportunities for young people to find out more about careers and opportunities in the agricultural industry.
Working closely with the NFU and National Sheep Association, the society plans to throw the spotlight on the sheep industry. Visitors to the show will be able to learn more about the industry, meet the farmers who work in it and see, touch and taste some of the products now available on the market.
The 150 acre showground will be alive with hundreds of competitions and entertainment for all ages, arranged in zones. These include: food village, livestock, discover the countryside, agricultural machinery, garden, plants and flowers (incorporating bees and honey), equestrian (including a new heavy horse village), skills and craftsmanship, country sports (incorporating the hound show) and the market place retail area.
There will be new entertainment in the main ring this year with the Royal Signals white helmet motorcycle display team who will be performing their death defying stunts every day of the show. Other highlights include the Shetland pony grand national, on both Friday and Saturday; hound parades; and the famous livestock display where hundreds of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and goats have their moment of glory.
Family and friends can take full advantage of the ticket prices again this year with under 16s going free (accompanied by a paying adult £20); senior citizens and students over 16 £18. There is also free parking and a regular bus shuttle service from Haywards Heath train station to the showground. Save up to 20% with early bird advance ticket discounts at www.seas.org.uk
