6 minute read
Keeping the Heart in Hertfordshire
The Hertfordshire County Show returns for 2022!
After two years of the pandemic we all know and absolutely have not loved – two years which led to a Virtual County Show in 2020, and a County Horse Show in 2021; the team at the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, led by Executive Director, Sarah Moreland MBE, are jubilant to be bringing home the full County Show for the Platinum Jubilee.
“It has indeed been a very tough two years – tough for everyone across the world, and that has been so evident in our agriculture and events industry with so many shows and societies struggling to survive. However, the last two years have been heartening for us with the response to our Virtual Show and County Horse Show – people need something to look forward to, to bring family and friends together in a safe environment. This has energised and focused us in bringing back Hertfordshire’s biggest celebration of local farming, food, family and enterprise.” Sarah Moreland MBE, Executive Director
So, what can visitors expect to enjoy at the show?
“The show will be a real treat for the whole family with its great mix of traditional attractions such as big tractors and machinery for the kids, shopping for the parents and adults, animals, horse competition, livestock and gravity defying stunt shows that will blow your mind and get audiences standing, cheering, and applauding!”
Sarah Moreland MBE, Executive Director
The Herts County Show will see the return of the Bulldog Lings as the showpiece attraction on both Saturday and Sunday. The renowned stunt bike team are a firm favourite and it is fitting that they help celebrate the return of the show in 2022. Showjumping, equine classes and livestock competitions are a traditional element of the show that everyone loves whether they’re an enthusiast, competitor, or excited spectator. Hertfordshire County Show offers a range of competitions for horses, sheep and cattle over the two days which are both exciting and educational. The livestock section is a showcase for farmers to demonstrate their skills in breeding and exhibiting their sheep and cattle. Winning classes and championships at a County Show is very prestigious and can increase the value of the winning animals, particularly important for breeding stock. Many of the livestock classes are for breeds that are native to the British Isles and on the Rare Breeds Watchlist.
After the brilliant competition seen at our County Horse Show in 2021, the show will once again be hosting a wide range of competitive levels catering for all levels up to Horse of the Year and Royal International qualifying classes.
“Visitors will enjoy a range of Showjumping classes where riders compete around a course of fences, the lowest classes have the jumps at one metre in height, with the highest class having a course of jumps up to 1m 40cm. These classes attract a range of riders, from local one-horse owners to professional riders who compete for Great Britain. The Scurry is a fast-paced race against the clock with ponies pulling carts in pairs around a twisty course of tight turns and obstacles. The private driving classes demonstrate the classic driving art and provide a glimpse into times gone by with the historical vehicles. This year the champion will qualify to go forward to The Horse of the Year Show to find the Harness Horse or Pony of the Year.”
Annabel Bolton, Equine Secretary
Showcasing shopping with independent traders and businesses has been an integral part of the show for many years. The show remains a tentpole event for local and national businesses to engage with eager shoppers and do great business.
“Many of our brilliant traders have really struggled over the past two years. Last year in 2021, mid-pandemic was a scaled back affair and we’re excited to be offering traders and businesses the opportunity to show shoppers their amazing products, crafts, food and services once again.” Amber Wernham, Trade Secretary
The Made in Herts competition allows the Society to shine a spotlight on standout traders at the Herts County Show with the 2022 Society President, Lady Salisbury choosing her top three businesses to be awarded. The Made in Herts marquee will be a wonderful showcase of local Hertfordshire artisan food and craft.
“This year, we’re celebrating food, family, farming and enterprise and the show will see the return of the Lord Lieutenant’s Entrepreneurs Challenge. The Challenge shines a spotlight on Hertfordshire start-ups offering a product or services in our local communities. This is a real celebration of the diversity of enterprise that we have in the County. Our shortlisted 2020 finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their entries for 2022 with a select few joining the challenge.”
Sarah Moreland MBE, Executive Director
The Food and Farming area at the Show epitomises everything that the Society was set up to represent and is built by a voluntary team of agricultural professionals from farmers to agronomists (crop doctors) to vets and food industry experts. Fun is at the heart of the Food and Farming area with a variety of fun activities for friends and families of all ages. Attractions include; Bees and Honey; Grains and Bread production; Milk and Ice Cream; Farm Machinery (always a massive draw!); Meat and Animals, Rothamsted Research and farming technology.
“At the last show we pioneered a new pinnacle for the show – “Make your own Hertfordshire Lunch” using produce from all over Hertfordshire. At this year’s show visitors will experience a much larger food and farming area offering lots of new things to do and learn for all ages. So come and meet the farmers at this year’s show!” James Williams, Food and Farming & Trustee
Beyond the Show, The Hertfordshire Agricultural Society will be bringing together schools from the county as part of its Food and Farming Day in June. Inspiration for this project has been taken from other events around the country but we are putting our own unique spin on the concept. Rather than follow the journey from field to fork, we intend to work backwards. School pupils will explore an environment designed around the “Eatwell Plate”. Activities will take place inside a big top tent split into the sections of the plate, which correspond to the food groups within the human diet. Children will visit each section in groups of 10-15, guided by a farmer steward. For lunch, they will have the opportunity to put together their own meal.
“The objective of the day is to provide a platform for students to learn more about where their food comes from and help them to make good food choices. This is especially important at this transitional stage of their education as they are likely about to become responsible for more of their dietary choices when they enter secondary school.” Emma Tremaine, Education Co-ordinator
The Herts Agricultural Society and Show are delighted to be supporting the Queen’s Green Canopy. A tree and hedge planting campaign to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee – an ambitious and wonderful scheme the entire community can get behind. If you are interested in getting involved or have an area of land that you would like to make available for others to plant, please email
QueensGreenCanopy@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Over the years Herts County Show has become less a show, more a showcase; a celebration of Hertfordshire farming, food, and the countryside life, and you’re invited – come, take part, shop, eat, laugh and have fun at Hertfordshire Showground for a platinum celebration.
