For visitors and residents alike, the summer months in Norfolk are a time when the county really springs into life and showcases just what it can offer the rest of the UK and beyond.
Whether it is the coast-line, the Broads, the Brecks or any of the lesser-known areas in between, the county just seems to put on its finery determined to prove why it is such a favourite destination.
Date for the diary
But while the countryside and coastline beckons, there is one diary date when the beach has to be abandoned and a trip to the outskirts of Norwich is a must. Nowhere is the essence of Norfolk better demonstrated than at the county’s headline show. The Royal Norfolk Show is the largest two-day county show in the UK and it has been in existence since 1847. This year’s event takes place on 29th and 30th June at the Norfolk Showground in Costessy.
Three strands
This year, the show has three main strands: Grow it, Cook it, Eat it, is all about celebrating our agricultural heritage, our produce and our producers. Exhibitors include: Mr Mawkin’s Farm, cattle and livestock rings, Countryside Area, machinery past and present, Flower and Garden Show, cookery theatre, nominated catering outlets and the Adnams Food and Drink Experience.
Animals and their owners on show
The second strand is Celebrating our Heritage, which is an important part of the Show celebrating the achievements and successes of our local institutions. One of the highlights will be the presence of RAF Marham as it celebrates its centenary. Other well-known local organisations who will have a big presence at the show, include Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Countrysiders and the Cub Scouts.
The third strand, and a key one, is the Retail Experience. More than 650 businesses will be trading at Norfolk’s largest outdoor shopping experience. These range from top-end retailers to bespoke Norfolk goods and there will be an eclectic range of shops offering luxury goods, clothing, garden design and furniture, cars, banking and professional services. There will be a range of agricultural suppliers present, many with state of the art farming and agricultural equipment on sale.
Here are the numbers:
With more than 81,500 visitors, including 8,500 school children, the 50 catering outlets and 676 retail stands will be very busy. It is also a time for fierce competition as 1,232 horses, 861 cattle, 824 sheep, 409 small livestock, 141 pigs and 128 goats will all be battling to be crowned best in show.
Over the course of the two days, you will be able to watch a plethora of skills as Norfolk’s finest craftspeople and artisan producers line up to show off their goods. Besides the agricultural competitions, expect cookery demos, tips for gardening, demonstrations of fencing skills, tree-felling, metal work – there seriously is something to interest everyone.
For more information visit the Royal Norfolk Show website and plan your day. http://royalnorfolkshow.rnaa.org.uk
