Everything you need to know about the 2024 Suffolk Show
Around 90,000 people are expected to attend
The 2024 Suffolk Show gets underway today, with around 90,000 visitors expected to attend the event at Trinity Park, Ipswich, over the next two days.
Running over Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th May, the Showground will be hosting a celebration of the county's best in food, farming, agriculture and local businesses - with over 800 trade stands.
This year, the show is focussing on the next generation of farmers, highlighting the diverse skills and career opportunities available within the sector.
Entry times
The gates open at 7am both days.
Last entry is 7.00pm on Day 1 and 5.30pm on Day 2.
All tradestands are open from 8.30am until 6pm on both days.
Events not to miss
Alongside food and shopping stands, visitors will also be able to enjoy a packed schedule competitions, including the Shetland Pony Grand National and Mascots Race in the President’s Ring.
The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team are also due to drop into the Collins Grand Ring on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
Exclusive to this year’s Show is the WWII D-Day display, which will mark 80 years since the Normandy landings.
"We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Suffolk Show"
Speaking ahead of the gates’ opening, Show Director John Taylor said: “You can already feel the atmosphere at Trinity Park as we head into the final days of prep for this year’s Suffolk Show. Marquees have been raised, the competition rings have been drawn out, and the livestock enclosures are ready for use, just the final touches remain for the county’s biggest day out.
“As ever, the Show days are ones to remember and, as my second year as Show Director, I can say it has been a true privilege to work alongside the talent and hard work of the team that makes this possible.
"We look forward to opening the gates on Wednesday and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Suffolk Show.”
Getting there
Car
Organisers are advising visitors to follow strategic road signs leading up to the Showground, rather than relying on sat nav systems.
Once there, there are two free public car parks available at the East and North entrances.
Both will be staffed to assist with parking and traffic management and feature designated spaces for disabled parking.
Train
Trinity Park is 5 miles away from Ipswich Railway Station.
This line links directly to London Liverpool Street and the journey takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
At the station there is a taxi rank and bus stop.
Bus
Ipswich Buses are providing a shuttle bus service from Ipswich Railway Station forecourt to Trinity Park.
It will depart in regular intervals.
Bicycle
There will be a dedicated cycle parking area at the main Felixstowe Road entrance to the showground.
Taxi
There is a taxi drop off point on Murrills Road, off the roundabout at Gate 1.
Visitors can then enter the showground through the Pedestrian entrance.
Disabled access
There will be a hospitality centre for disabled people at the Show, that offers a place to rest.
All toilet blocks have accessible toilets for disabled visitors.
There are also designated viewing areas by three of the main rings for visitors with disabilities.
Can I bring my dog?
Organisers tell us well behaved dogs on leads are welcome, but aren't permitted in to the Ringside Club or Adnams Food & Drink Experience.