Suffolk County Show 2023

The Suffolk Agricultural Association held the Suffolk County Show over two days at Trinity Park Ipswich at the end of May. Despite some adverse weather on the first day the show still attracted in the region of 90,000 visitors over the two days with overflow car parks required on day two. Post show analysis indicated that as many as twenty percent of these were first time visitors proving that there is still public interest in agricultural shows.

Staying mainly with the traditional agricultural show format visitors were able to see the latest agricultural equipment on display while the Farming Live section gave live demonstrations of how crops are sewn and harvested. In addition to the machinery dealers displays there was plenty of livestock at the show. Cattle, sheep pigs and goats were all to be seen on the livestock rings in competition. While the Rare Breeds Society were displaying endangered domestic breeds of livestock, poultry and horses for the public to meet and learn about. Both days saw a Grand Parade in the main arena that included representation of all the cattle ad sheep breeds at the show joined by heavy horses and awards presentations.

For the equestrian enthusiast there was plenty to keep you occupied with competition classes for light and heavy horses both in hand and ridden. There were all breeds of light horse being shown while the ridden classes included lead reign and side saddle. In the main ring and Presidents ring there was Shetland Pony racing, Pony Club games, Inter-Hunt games, Coaching and heavy horse turnouts to be seen. There was also show jumping competitions with the main classes taking centre stage in the main arena. Other jumping classes included Foxhunters and Hunter classes. Always popular and also taking place in the main arena was the Scurry driving competition that saw pairs of ponies being driven around a course between cones against the clock. Taking place near the heavy horse area was a farriery competition with various classes over both days.

For the non-agricultural orientated there was still plenty to see and get involved with. In the main arena there was motorcycle stunts from Bolddog FMX while the Presidents ring hosted the Mascot race along with various demonstrations on both days. Around the showground there were themed zones where the public could see displays and get involved with activities. These included the Military zone where military units based around Suffolk from the United States Air Force and British forces demonstrated various roles they carry out on a daily basis. There was the opportunity to get up close to an Apache attack helicopter from the Army Air Corps at Wattisham, use virtual headsets to perform tasks and talk to personnel. The sports village gave sports clubs from the County to promote their sport and in some cases let the public have a go. The emergency service zone gave the opportunity to meet personnel from the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coast Guard look around their vehicles and equipment. Suffolk New College provided the skills zone where visitors to try skills relating to courses offered by the College. These included brickwork and carpentry, technical skills, painting, hair and beauty, science and health and social care.

The show would not be complete without shopping and there was plenty of opportunity for that. In the trade area stalls selling all sorts including clothing, gardening equipment, models and holidays could be found. There were specialist craft marquees and of course the food marquee. In here the best of local produce could be tried and bought while there was also a programme of cooking demonstrations on both days.