The rural day out is a celebration of community, countryside and tradition – and it’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds!
While the livestock, pristine rows of tractors and huge farm machinery signal it is very much still an agricultural show, there’s something about the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show that is a lot more – even for those who have never set a wellied foot in a fragrant farmyard.
It’s the sense of community and the passion for the countryside that make it an unmissable event in North Dorset’s calendar.
An eclectic mix that works
The G&S Show spans the generations, from a weather-beaten man giving a terse nod to a neighbour to an excited child leading a calf into the Main Ring for the first time.
Small children in long white coats carefully lead sheep around a ring, seemingly not bothered by the crowds. Others trot ponies through their paces or help parents feed and brush livestock.
Over in the marquees, perfectly-shaped vegetables compete alongside glorious dahlias in a riot of colours as inspirational flower arrangements filled the horticultural tent.
Steam to ferrets
The crowds will be cheering this year as things turn competitive in a big way in the Harts of Stur Main Ring. And when we say big, we mean camel-sized. The camel racing is going to be the hit of the summer, we’re calling it now.
The speed of the Shetland Pony racing team is something to see as they hurtle around the Main Ring – hugely entertaining, it’s worth finding a seat to stop and watch them. And by show day you’ll already be missing the Olympic showjumping – grab a spot ringside, there’s plenty of jumping to see here.
Over in the Turnpike Ring, riples of laughter always accomany the start of the ferret racing – the furry creatures race down drainpipes, and it’s tails out, not the nose, that wins!
And the Terrier Racing is unmissable – regulars aren’t there for the dogs so much as for Harold Galpin’s commentary and the sheer chaos that unfolds.
Over in the steam section there always seems to be someone working on the engines, polishing and making sure the paintwork was gleaming. And what a joy it is to see them rumbling into the Main Ring for a circuit or two.
All the Food
It’s at places like the G&S Show that you realise just how much food and drink is produced in the towns and villages of Dorset. From local beers to the gin distillers’ botanicals there’s a drink for everyone. And you certainly won’t go home hungry – expect hog roasts and ice cream stalls, endless choices at the fudge stand, local sausages and plenty of world foods. Make a picnic from salami, a mountain of regional cheeses and some of the local bread and cakes.
A Grand Parade
The relaxed atmosphere of the day is at times juxtaposed with the strictest formality. Bowler hats in the judging ring, elegantly dressed ladies driving carriages, and pristine white-coated families leading livestock. Some things at the G&S Show have never changed.
The Grand Parade starts at 3pm both days – don’t miss it, you’ll find the showground empties as everyone heads to the Main Ring to see the show’s champion livestock enjoying their moment of glory.
The great thing about the G&S Show is that you never know who you might meet as you make your way round: you’ll bump into old friends and colleagues, local celbrities and for generations of local farming families it’s simply their annual get together.
And if you’ve never been before, be aware you’ll soon be marking the third Wednesday in August on your calendar every year!
Quick show tips:
Advance ticket prices:
Prices increase at midnight on the 7th August!
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £41
(Gate price £48)
Adult: £18
(Gate price £21)
Child (aged 5 to 15): £3
Under 5’s go FREE!
Gates open at 8.30am on both show days. They close at 10pm on Wednesday 14th, and at 6pm on
Thursday 15th August.
Be sure to download your ticket in advance – data signal on show days is always very limited!
Bring some cash because the data signal will be shaky as the showgroudn fills, so contactless won’t be reliable
Polite dogs are of course welcome – they must be on a short lead, and NO dogs are permitted within the livestock areas, or in any marquees.
Bring a picnic! There are three designated areas for picnicking – we just ask that you don’t sit too close to marquees, so as to not block any emergency exits.
Save on plastic – bring your water bottle to the Show! Drinking water points sponsored by Battens Solicitors will be available around the Showground, and will be marked on the map.
