BRIGHTON

South Of England Agricultural Society Announces 2023 Shows

Working across Berkshire, East Sussex, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, The South of England Agricultural Society aims are to showcase agriculture, horticulture and the countryside through a range of exciting events. These annual shows also raise funds which help serve the community through education provision, grants, awards and bursaries for people with an interest or involvement in agriculture, horticulture and land-based industries.

They’ve just released details of their 2023 programme, which will be coming to South of England Event Centre, a 150-acre venue situated just outside Ardingly in the West Sussex countryside.

SPRING LIVE! 2023

Sat 22 - Sun 23 April 2023

Featuring live and interactive entertainment, hundreds of shopping stalls, a food hall, and mouth-watering artisan treats from independent producers, Spring Live! is a must-attend event of the season.

There are plenty of activities for younger visitors to get involved with, including the opportunity to meet a variety of farm animals, participate in chocolate and circus skills workshops, have a go at wand making, and experience the thrill of the funfair.

With an Alpaca Show, flyball, Morris dancing, a dog show, archery and axe throwing also on the agenda, it offers a great way for the whole family to celebrate the arrival of spring, including the four-legged members…

SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW 2023

Fri 9 – Sun 11 June

With a non-stop programme of agricultural and equestrian displays, country pursuits, live entertainment, rural crafts, and a variety of food, drink, and shopping opportunities, the South of England Show offers all ages the opportunity to connect with the countryside and enjoy a great day out.

Among the highlights of the 2023 show will be the Bold Dog Lings motocross stunt displays, international show-jumping, heavy horse displays, cookery workshops, scurry racing, equestrian and livestock competitions, the ever-popular Shetland Grand National and a new vintage agricultural machinery ring with demonstrations and displays. Additionally, visitors will be able to experience forestry, falconry, fly casting, and many more rural industries and crafts – it’s a show sure to impress!

AUTUMN SHOW AND INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS 2023

Sat 23 - Sun 24 Sept activities, all aimed at celebrating the joys of rural life and equestrian pursuits.

The show will feature the long-established South of England International CCI and CCI Horse Trials affiliated with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), including British Eventing national classes. Now in its 16th year, this event attracts some of the best riders in the sport from over ten countries.

Visitors can watch riders at the top of their profession compete in the show-jumping, dressage, and cross-country phases. Those looking to get involved in the action can try fly casting, archery, axe throwing, and other activities. Dog lovers will be wowed by the terrier racing, long dog displays, rare breed gundogs, skilled gundog displays, and exciting scurries in which their own dogs can participate!

There will be farm animals, falconry, a funfair, and much more for children to enjoy. Plus, there will be mouth-watering food and drink stalls and superb shopping opportunities.

WINTER FAIR 2023

Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov

Visitors to the Winter Fair can shop until they drop, from a large selection of stalls boasting artisan products, gifts, and food and drink from independent and local vendors.

Following last year’s success, the Autumn Show & Game Fair and the South of England International Horse Trials are back together in 2023 as one fantastic event. Guests of all ages (and their canine companions) will enjoy this jam-packed autumnal outing. Throughout the weekend, there will be a variety of countryside sports, displays, and ‚have-a-go‘

It’s not just about the shopping; there’s also festive fun to be had. Families can enjoy the giant snow globe for a perfect Christmas card photo or join one of the storytelling sessions with Mistletoe the Elf. A street food area featuring live music, a funfair, and a Santa’s grotto are also part of the weekend. A range of festive workshops will include wreathmaking and chocolate decorating for those who want to test their creative abilities.

For more details on these events and the work of The South of England Agricultural Society, visit: www.seas.org.uk