The Royal Three Counties Show, one of the UK’s largest celebrations of our glorious countryside and rural life, is set to return to Three Counties Showground in Malvern from 16 – 18 June 2023, with a fantastic line-up of new experiences, special guests, family fun, exciting entertainment and outstanding food and drink.
Over the past century, the Royal Three Counties Show has become a much-loved event in the calendar, and now features over 6,000 animals, the UK’s largest collection of rare and native breed animals and numerous livestock national breed shows, with 15 due to be held this year.
The show is also proud to host more than 50 prestigious Horse of the Year Show qualifiers (more than any other UK agricultural show) and attracts over 2,000 entries into the spectacular equine classes each year.
The Main Arena will play host to an exciting range of new family entertainment in 2023, including the Prince Philip Cup Pony Club Mounted Games (in which skilled riders and ponies take part in exhilarating races involving tight turns, handovers, vaulting and galloping), a Quad Bike Stunt Display (Friday) and the ‘Imps’ under 18s Motorcycle Display Team (Saturday and Sunday). Returning show favourites, the Red Devils parachute display team are also planned to make an appearance, as well as spectacular horse show jumping, machinery demos and the iconic Grand Parade of Livestock.
At the Countryside Arena, visitors can pause to enjoy a jam-packed schedule of demonstrations, including fascinating sheep dog and gun dog displays or head over to the much-loved, action-packed STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Arena to watch the UK championship competitions unfold. The thrilling sheep shearing contests will also provide plenty of entertainment and the popular Fur, Feather and Farm area, complete with friendly alpacas and goats and information about the amazing role bees play in our ecosystem and how they produce honey, will delight visitors of all ages.
The new Stable Yard area will feature Pony Clubs from across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, along with other organisations and experts from the equestrian industry, who will run interactive and informative workshops and demonstrations, giving visitors the chance to interact with horses and ponies, learn how to look after them and find out how to get involved in equestrian care or sports.
There will be plenty of excellent shopping opportunities at this year’s show, including a new Royal Parade hosting an exclusive, premium shopping experience from some of the finest, luxury countrywear retailers and sporting suppliers, complete with champagne bar. A wide range of quality retailers will also be located around the showground, in particular next to the Countryside Arena, so rural sports enthusiasts will be able stock up on essential equipment and clothing.
Following on from the huge success of last year’s tantalising new Food & Drink Festival, the 2023 show will also feature a brand-new Cheese & Dairy Show, offering visitors the chance to sample some of the finest artisan produce from across the three counties and beyond, buy award-winning products, meet the dedicated makers and take part in interactive talks and demonstrations. The hugely popular Three Counties Cider & Perry Festival will return again this year with some of the finest cider and perry from some of the most prestigious orchards in the UK.
The popular Food & Drink Theatre will feature a new line-up of special guest chefs providing mouth-watering demonstrations and showcasing outstanding local produce, while outside of the theatre visitors can enjoy the tastes and smells of some of the UK’s best producers and street food vendors.
The new Future of Farming Area will provide networking opportunities and promote discussions around career opportunities and the latest policies and issues affecting the industry. It will also offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of the agricultural sector by showcasing the very latest cutting-edge technology. The Future of Farming Theatre will also host informative talks and Q&A sessions on these topics with leading experts in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the new Farming Experience Area will provide a space where visitors can get closer to farm animals, find out more about the fascinating processes involved in food and wool production and ask farmers questions about everyday working life in the sector.
Adam Henson, farmer, rural TV presenter and Royal Three Counties Show Ambassador, commented: “The Royal Three Counties Show is not only a wonderful celebration of the British countryside and rural life, but it’s also a really fun day out! I’m proud to be returning again as Show Ambassador and look forward to enjoying all the new experiences at this year’s show.”
