Celebrating a Decade of Royalty: The Royal Cheshire County Show’s 10-Year Royal Anniversary

As we look ahead to the 16th and 17th of June 2026, we are proud to celebrate a very special milestone: ten years since the Cheshire County Show became “Royal.” Since being granted Royal status in 2016, the show has grown in prestige, scale, and spirit, and the 2026 event promises to be a celebration worthy of that legacy.

In this blog post, we take a journey through time, exploring the rich history of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, the story of how the Show gained its royal title, and how the event has evolved into the thriving, beloved institution it is today.

Roots in the Soil: The Origins of the Cheshire Agricultural Society

The story of the Royal Cheshire County Show begins long before 2016. Its origins stretch back nearly two centuries. The Cheshire Agricultural Society was founded in 1838, born out of the vision and determination of local landowning gentry. The driving force behind it was Field Marshal Viscount Combermere, a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars and an advocate for improved farming practices. He had observed more advanced agricultural methods elsewhere in the country and believed that by uniting Cheshire’s farmers, they could raise standards, share knowledge, and strengthen rural life.

What began as an effort to promote better farming quickly evolved into a broader mission to encourage hard work, community spirit, and excellence through competitive agricultural exhibitions. This early commitment to improvement and innovation laid the foundation for what would become one of the most significant county shows in the United Kingdom.

Early Years: From Roodee to Steam Tractors

The first Cheshire Show under the Society’s banner was held in 1893 on the Roodee in Chester. Records from the time reveal that around 400 visitors paid for admission, while thousands more watched from the city walls. This enthusiasm from the public helped establish the event as a major gathering in the region.

The show quickly became known for more than showcasing livestock. It evolved into a place where innovation met tradition. In 1861, for example, there was debate over the inclusion of an iron plough to compete against the traditional wooden version. Within a year, the Society allowed the iron design to compete officially, marking the beginning of a more open approach to agricultural technology.

By the late 1860s, the arrival of steam power made a dramatic impact. In 1869, a six-horsepower steam tractor was displayed at the show, capturing the imagination of farmers and visitors alike. Just two years later, an eight-horsepower model appeared, showing how rapidly the agricultural landscape was changing. The Cheshire Show became not only a celebration of farming but also a showcase for the future.

A Show on the Move: Roodee, Wirral, and Revival

For many decades, the Cheshire Show moved from place to place. But in 1904, the Cheshire Show merged with the Chester Show and established a long-term home at the Roodee, where it remained for approximately 50 years. During this time, attendance grew steadily, and eventually the venue became too small to accommodate its increasing popularity.

In 1955, the Show relocated to Hooton Park on the Wirral. However, financial challenges soon followed. The early 1970s were especially difficult, and the Show was not held at all in 1973, 1974, or 1975. These years marked one of the lowest points in the event’s long history.

Yet, the Cheshire Agricultural Society refused to let the tradition fade. In 1977, a dedicated group revived the Show in mid-Cheshire. Operating on modest resources but immense determination, the revived event steadily rebuilt its reputation and momentum. Then, in 1990, the Show found a permanent home at its current Tabley Showground near Knutsford, a location that has allowed it to grow into the large, vibrant event we know today.

A Royal Moment: 2016, the Year of Transformation

After many decades of growth and development, the Cheshire Show reached a defining moment in early 2016. The Cheshire Agricultural Society submitted a formal application for the Show to be granted Royal status. The application highlighted the Show’s strong financial footing, its importance to the county, its heritage, and its longstanding contribution to agricultural life.

On 18 January 2016, the announcement was made: the Cheshire County Show had been granted the honour of becoming the Royal Cheshire County Show. Only a small number of shows in the UK receive this distinction, and the recognition affirmed the Show’s legacy, reputation, and enduring impact.

The chairman at the time expressed pride and gratitude, dedicating the achievement to the staff, directors, volunteers, exhibitors, traders, and visitors whose passion and commitment made the new Royal title possible. The recognition was more than ceremonial. It symbolised the Show’s significance to agriculture, community, and the wider region.

Royal Visits and Notable Figures

Over its long history, the Show has welcomed several members of the Royal Family, including the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex. Their visits reflect the deep-rooted relationship between the Royal Family and rural communities across the United Kingdom. These appearances also serve as a reminder of the Show’s importance, prestige, and connection to national heritage.

Growth, Challenges, and Triumphs

Since being granted the Royal title, the Show has continued to grow and evolve. Yet it remains firmly rooted in its agricultural traditions. Today’s Royal Cheshire County Show hosts hundreds of competitive classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, dairy goats, poultry, rabbits, cavies, and more. It features one of the largest horse sections of any county show in the UK, offering both light and heavy horse competitions including show-jumping.

Beyond livestock, the Show has become a major celebration of rural life. Visitors enjoy demonstrations, artisan markets, rural crafts, food stalls, educational exhibits, and interactive displays that bring farming to life. It is not only a showcase for agriculture but a festival of community, learning, and entertainment.

Volunteers continue to play an essential role. Every year, hundreds of individuals donate their time to help organise, steward, set up, and manage the Show. Their dedication remains one of the driving forces behind its success.

There have been challenges, including cancellations due to disease outbreaks or national events such as the foot-and-mouth crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. But each time, the Show has returned stronger, supported by a loyal community that believes in its purpose and values.

The Decade of Royalty: 2016 to 2026

As we approach June 2026, the Show stands ready to celebrate ten years of Royal status. This milestone represents a decade in which the event has strengthened its reputation, expanded its offerings, and attracted larger audiences than ever before.

The anniversary matters because it acknowledges the Show’s legacy, honours the work of generations, and provides inspiration for the future. It signals confidence, credibility, and a commitment to excellence. It is also a moment of pride for the people of Cheshire, who have supported the Show through every era.

What to Expect at the 2026 Show

The 2026 Royal Cheshire County Show is set to be a spectacular two-day celebration. While details will be announced closer to the event, visitors can expect the blend of tradition and innovation that has become the Show’s hallmark.

The programme is likely to include grand parades in the main ring, extensive livestock competitions, horse classes, food and drink villages, rural craft showcases, live performances, interactive farming education zones, and special anniversary features celebrating ten years of Royal status. The Show will honour its past while looking boldly toward the future.

Why This Anniversary Matters

Marking ten years as a Royal Show is more than a historical footnote. It represents a decade of achievement and recognition. The Royal title affirmed the Show’s role in the agricultural world, and the anniversary celebrates the community, heritage, and hard work that made it possible.

It is also a moment to reflect on the Show’s growth and its role in Cheshire’s identity. For farmers, families, volunteers, exhibitors, and visitors, the Royal Cheshire County Show is more than an event. It is a tradition, a celebration of rural life, and a symbol of local pride.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we prepare for the 2026 Show, we offer sincere thanks to everyone involved. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly behind the scenes. Exhibitors and competitors bring their passion and skill year after year. Visitors bring energy, excitement, and community spirit. Sponsors and supporters help ensure the Show continues to thrive. And the founders of the Cheshire Agricultural Society laid the foundations for everything that has followed.

Join the Celebration in 2026

We warmly invite everyone to join us on the 16th and 17th of June 2026 for a truly special Royal Cheshire County Show. This is not only an agricultural event but a celebration of a decade of Royal honour, centuries of heritage, and a bright future ahead.

Whether you are a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, there will be something for everyone. Come and enjoy the competitions, food, entertainment, demonstrations, and the vibrant rural atmosphere. Be part of this historic moment as we celebrate ten years of Royal status and look forward to many more decades of the Royal Cheshire County Show.