The South of England Show returns to the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2026, marking its 58th year as one of the region’s premier countryside events.
Bringing together the very best of agriculture, equestrian sport and rural life, the three-day show offers family-friendly entertainment, equine showing and showjumping classes, traditional livestock competitions, country pursuits and artisan crafts – making it a true celebration of the countryside for all ages and a unique opportunity to meet, learn from and support local farmers, producers and rural businesses.
Headlining the 2026 show is the Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team, delivering high-octane motocross displays packed with choreographed airborne stunts and adrenaline-fuelled excitement.
The ever-popular livestock section returns with more than 300 competitive classes featuring cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Alongside judging, visitors can enjoy the traditional Cattle and Livestock Parade in the main ring, experience the fast-paced drama of a mock cattle auction and watch talks on beef cuts. The Pig Village will include a sow and litter on display, and, despite the lack of poultry due to avian flu, the Arun Valley Poultry Fanciers’ display and egg show adds even more to this celebration of British livestock.
Equestrian highlights include top level showjumping across all three days, the inter-hunt relay, scurry driving and qualifying classes for the London International Horse Show.
The Heavy Horse Village is also returning for 2026, alongside the Hackney Horse competition (Friday only), the Shetland Pony Grand National, and the ever-popular Horse Shoeing Competition.
The country sports area features the South of England Hound Show on Friday and Saturday with gundog and fishing demonstrations on Sunday, while the South Eastern Vintage Agricultural Club showcases historic tractors and farm machinery.
In the Discover the Countryside area, visitors can explore rural skills and careers with land-based colleges, including Plumpton and Brinsbury, and meet and hear from organisations such as the Ashdown Forest. Families can visit the Society’s Countryside Hub where they can try milking Clover the Cow and learn about the Loan a Lamb scheme for schools. Elsewhere in the area, they can watch chainsaw carving demonstrations and discover the Story of Wool, alongside traditional crafts including stick-making, hurdle-making, basketry, spinning, weaving and hedge-laying. The new Living Land Theatre focuses on current farming, land management and environmental issues in the south-east, as well as promoting education and careers in the agricultural sector.
Visitors can also step back in time with medieval re-enactments from The Hartley Company, featuring 15th-century living history, battles, demonstrations and a medieval market. Around the Showground, there will also be emergency services displays, the British Army display, model boat and engineering displays, fairground rides and much more.
Family favourites include the interactive activity trail, children’s cookery workshops, the Sheep Show starring Nobby the Norfolk Horn, giant tortoises and even a bug hotel competition.
Garden lovers can browse plant nurseries, explore the show gardens or visit the Bees & Honey Marquee for live demonstrations and local produce, while the Food Hall and Village showcase independent producers, vineyards, microbreweries and local gin distillers, alongside street food and homemade treats. Shoppers can also discover countryside clothing, artisan gifts and unique handmade products, all set to live 1920s and 1930s music from Casablanca Steps at the bandstand.
Corrie Ince, Show Director for the South of England Agricultural Society, said:
“The South of England Show is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to meet, learn from and support the farmers, landowners and craftspeople that make up our rural communities. This event allows the public to connect with the countryside, explore unique local products and experience a fantastic day out with family and friends. Celebrating all aspects of the countryside from farming to floristry, it isn’t summer without a visit to the South of England Show.”
Tickets for the South of England Show (open 9am to 6.30pm each day) can be purchased at www.seas.org.uk and cost £25.20 for adults and £23.40 for senior citizens/students, inclusive of a 10% advance discount until 28th May 2026. Children under 16 can enter for free, with a suggested donation of £2. Due to the number of people on site, restricted livestock areas and potential hot weather, dogs are not recommended.