Preparations are already underway ahead of one of the country’s largest agricultural shows later this month.
The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show will take place over three days on July 19, 20, and 21 in the grounds of the Salesbury Hall Estate in the heart of the Ribble Valley.
Despite challenging weather last year, more than 21,000 people passed through the gates to take in the huge array of activities, including animal shows, horse parades, and farming equipment showcases.
Pig competitions, which were introduced to the show in 2022, will feature again in 2024 on a larger scale, while show organisers say they are excited to welcome back rabbits and poultry.
As well as the usual cattle shows, the British Simmental Cattle Society will be holding their national competition over the weekend, as will the Dorset Horn and Dorset Sheep Breed Society, the Northern Blue Texel Club Show, and the Northern Portland Show.
There were more than 120 exhibitors at the show last year bringing a wide variety of stall including The Craft Marquee, Food Hall, Lifestyle Marquee, and Countryside Marquee, exhibiting the best of what Lancashire has to offer.
The Children’s Village which was introduced in 2018 will be back once again, giving youngsters the chance to play all day, and the Military Village which was a new addition for last year will be back with a bigger display.
READ MORE: Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show 2024: A to Z of what to enjoy
Depending on the weather, organisers are also hopeful the Red Devils, British Army Parachute Display Team will be dropping in.
Food and drink options will be available across the huge site, including Bowland Brewery and Whalley Wine Shop, along with a wide selection of eateries.
Attractions at the show include:
- Shetland pony grand prix
- Falconry display
- Lamb National sheep race
- Ferret show
- Dog agility
- Chloe and the Super Spaniels
- Dry stone wall display
- Giant tortoises
- Zip wire
- Donkey rides
- Children’s fun fair
- Vintage tractors
- Fishing displays
- Sheep shearing demonstrations
- Blacksmith
- Bonsai display and demonstrations
- Live music
- Thwaites shire horse parade
Show chair, Colin Mustoe, said: “The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show is very much a family show.
"The tickets are not expensive – a family ticket for two adults and two children is £35. Once you come into the show there is very little you need to spend money on.
“If you want to spend money on food or other things that’s entirely up to you but it’s not an expensive show to come to and there is absolutely loads going on.
“We have our own radio station this year, so when people come in they can scan the QR code on their phones and the station, which is based at the show, will tell people what’s going on.
“The other main thing we have that a lot of shows don’t is more than a mile of aluminium track, so people who don’t want to walk on the grass or people pushing pushchairs or people with wheelchairs and disability scooters can get around most of the show.
“We’re already setting up now. The show has been marked out and we start installation on Monday, so it’s a two-week job to get everything ready.”
The Royal Lancashire show is always looking for volunteers to assist.
The show will take place between Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21, and tickets are available from the website.
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