The South of England Autumn Show given green light
It will take place in Ardingly in October with certain restrictions in place
The South of England Autumn Show & Game Fair in West Sussex has been given the green light to go ahead for 2020.
Following the cancellation of Spring Live! and The South of England Show, The South of England Agricultural Society is delighted to announce that the Autumn Show & Game Fair 2020 will go ahead as planned.
Deemed a ‘Good to Go’ venue by Visit England, and adhering to strict new Covid-19 regulations, this year’s show will take place at The South of England Showground in Ardingly on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October, between 9am and 5pm each day.
Although government guidelines mean that some hands-on activities will have to be restricted this year, the 2020 Autumn Show & Game Fair will still be a visual feast for visitors with a superb programme of demonstrations and displays that celebrate the British countryside. It will feature the ever-popular shopping opportunities from local and independent producers, with everything from homemade fudge to dog training equipment on offer.
Firm favourites will be returning, and the world-famous Jonathan Marshall’s horseback displays will still take place in the showground’s main ring, alongside gundog training and falconry demonstrations.
Animals lovers can meet and learn about farmyard favourites in the Animal Barn, admire the wagging tails of the rare breed gundogs, and be mesmerised by the capabilities of ferrets and birds of prey with various demonstrations.
Foodies will be in their element with stalls from local and independent producers. Plus, there will be a plethora of mouth-watering food stalls to choose from when it comes to eating at the event.
While the Pumpkin Trail around the showground and Ridley’s funfair are sure to be a hit with the children, the Brighton Kite Flyers’ will impress everyone with their huge kites and synchronised displays.
Unique vintage agricultural machinery, Scammell and traction engines will also be on display to recreate and educate about a bygone era. The clay shooting competition will still be available for adults and juniors and experts will be on hand to demonstrate their skills in fly fishing and hedge laying.
Corrie Ince, new Show Director at The South of England Agricultural Society, commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Autumn Show and Game Fair will go ahead this year. While we had to take the difficult but right decision to cancel the spring and summer shows, we know that the South of England Showground is a huge outdoor space and, as such, is perfect place for socially distanced events.
"Since July we have already hosted a successful International Antiques and Collectors Fair, and Drive-in Comedy and Movie nights. There will be hand washing and sanitising stations and a social distancing policy throughout the entire show and showground, with face coverings required in the inside areas.
“While the event is most definitely designed to offer a wonderful day out in the family calendar, there’s also another important reason the Society host these shows each year - The South of England Agricultural Society is in fact a charity and any profits from the Autumn Show will help towards their work in showcasing the countryside to the public and supporting people across the South with an interest or involvement in agriculture and other related land-based industries.
"They inspire schoolchildren to learn about the land and where their food comes from, offer travel bursaries for people working in the farming sector and help with funding towards agricultural research – so, when you buy a ticket for the Autumn Show & Game Fair, you will also be doing your bit to help.”
For the protection of everyone at the event, tickets to the Autumn Show and Game Fair 2020 will be limited and should be booked online****** before arrival to ensure entry, and to avoid queues.