Royal Show 2008

Announced today!

New dates confirmed for the 2009 Royal Show

Tuesday 7th – Friday 10th July 2009

Click here for the Royal Show team contact list

Click here for the press release.

Many positives from a Royal Show hindered by bluetongue and July rainfall

Just short of 100,000 visitors celebrated the best of British food, farming and the countryside at the Royal Show which closed its gates on Sunday 6th July 2008.

Although bedevilled by bluetongue and hampered by a weekend of rainy mornings, the Royal Agricultural Society of England believes that the Show was a positive start to a change in format which saw it running from Thursday to Sunday for the first time.

"Bluetongue restrictions - which, ironically were changed the day after the show closed - left gaping holes in the livestock lines. Cattle numbers were down from 1200 to 200 and sheep from 1600 to 400 - over 2000 animals short of expectations. Each of those animals brings with it at least two or three people so their absence was a key factor in a reduction of visitor numbers," says Show Director, Simon Frere-Cook.

"On the positive side we had a record 5000 school children in organised parties who all voted the Education Trail and Children's Farmyard a huge success. We also had around 2700 horses - from the biggest working animals to the smallest children's pony and included some of the nation's best showing prospects in international qualifying competition. The Food Hall and Farmers Market were swamped with people all day, every day. And, on a more serious note, significant international business was done with a number of key overseas visitors.

"We are now evaluating the results of changing the days and when we have assessed the research we carried out among our visitors and exhibitors we will be able to introduce even more new ideas into the planning for next year's event."

Visit the photo gallery to see some of the best bits from this year’s Royal Show.

Next year’s Royal Show is scheduled to run from 9th – 12th July 2009. For further information call 024 7685 8250 or email visitor@royalshow.org.uk