County show returns to its traditional dates - but vows to be a mix of old and new
The show has returned to its traditional date in the calendar
Last updated 18th May 2023
The three day Devon County Show returns today - back to its traditional 'May' date, after changes in recent years due to the pandemic.
Organisers say they are going 'back to its roots in 2023' and say they have 'initiatives planned to encourage greater attendance from the farming community'.Â
A new concentrated farming area will be devoted to agricultural trade stands, where farmers can find everything, they need to manage their farms in one dedicated area.
The section will also have its own brand new bar, the Ivington Tavern, where farmers can socialise and ‘chew the cud’ with their peers over a pint.
There's a list of all the activities at the show here
Acting Show Manager, Lisa Moore, said: "The Devon County Show is always the first major county show on the agricultural circuit, and a great opportunity for farmers to get out and socialise after a long hard winter. The Ivington Tavern, which has been introduced specifically for the farming community, adds yet another social dimension to their show experience.
"The Devon County Show is one of the oldest shows in the UK, with the first show dating back to 1872. It was always designed to act as a showcase for agriculture and a major celebration of the county’s farming prowess.
"Many agricultural shows have deviated from tradition to try to broaden their appeal to a wider audience but we at Devon County Show are absolutely committed to maintaining our strong agricultural roots both in 2023 and beyond."
Emergency services from across the county are joining forces at this year’s Devon County Show to host their first interactive road safety display.
Visitors to the Vision Zero South West Emergency Service Road Safety village will be able to compete in reactions tests on Batak walls and in-car timers, try their hand at CPR using an interactive simulator and even take a virtual tour on board the Devon Air Ambulance helicopter.
The village also includes a display of unique road safety vehicles including the police Ford Focus RS, an interactive NHS ambulance, a fire service van with VR headsets and a BMW M1000RR superbike and off-road ATV used by police.
A new Agri Agenda has been developed exclusively for farmers and offers clinics and seminars which will take place around the showground covering a wide range topics from Grassland to Carbon Clarity to how to apply for Agri-environment grants.Â
The Innovation Avenue at the show will feature two of Devon County Council’s farming projects, Future Farming Resilience and Devon Agri-Tech Alliance, and it has also brought together a number of pioneering businesses to feature their work at Stand 178 on Avenue B.
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “Devon is home to many innovative and creative businesses in the agriculture sector, so the Devon County Show is a great opportunity for them to shout about the great work they’re doing. We’re delighted to be joined by many like-minded businesses and supporters, including many based in the county, that cover a range of vital goals from decarbonisation and sustainability to biodiversity and pioneering design.
The Devon County Agricultural Association has selected the Amber Foundation as it’s charity of the year for 2023. According to a recent report from Shelter, 3700 people were deemed homeless last year in Devon and Cornwall.
A spokesperson for the show said: "The cost-of-living crisis is much to blame and impending budget cuts to homelessness prevention schemes are likely to worsen the situation. Young people who come to Amber share their home with a community of around 30 others. The average stay is 6 to 9 months but there is no fixed limit. We have clearly enforced rules and a tight structure to the week at Amber but it’s also a fun and caring place to be – a temporary home that offers time, space, support and encouragement – basically everything a young person needs to turn their life around."
For more about the Devon County Show click here