Don’t miss a second of the action at the Royal Cheshire County Show!

The inaugural Royal Cheshire County Show is on the horizon and with so much to see and do, we’ve put together this handy guide to give visitors even more reason to get excited about visiting Tabley Showground on June 21 and 22!

Show Makers (pictured above) will debut for the first time, thanks to a partnership between the Show and Girlguiding Cheshire County Border, part of the UK’s leading charity for girls and young women.

It is hoped the Royal Cheshire County Show’s ‘Show Makers’ will replicate the success of the London Olympics’ ‘Game Makers’, whose role was to greet the public and provide essential directions and information.

More than 50 guides will be at the Showground across the two days, easily identifiable by their pink high-vis vests, ready to point visitors in the right direction of attractions, toilets and cash machines.

Royal Cheshire County Show Executive Director Nigel Evans said: “Country folk have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming and with the help of the Cheshire Guides, it’s hoped this initiative will add an extra layer to the visitor experience.

“Their support in guiding visitors across the Showground and in showing another friendly face to welcome locals and those from out of the county will be invaluable.”

The Show is also proud to announce that the best in homegrown produce is to star at the President’s Lunch on day one, Tuesday, June 21.

Royal Cheshire County Show Chairman Tony Garnett DL ARAgS said: “It’s only natural of course that we want to serve our guests the finest Cheshire foods at our inaugural royal-title event.

“We’re delighted to have secured Cheshire lamb for the main course, supplied by Jim Schofield Antrobus and J Percival Farms of Aston by Budworth.

“The lamb will be accompanied by the freshest Cheshire-grown vegetables.

“Cheshire food producers, of which I am one, take great pride ensuring our products are of the highest quality so they can be enjoyed close to home and around the UK.

“The Show, as the premier agricultural event in the north west, is the ideal opportunity to ensure our county shines.”

Show President, Mr Vic Croxson DL MBA FRAgS, will host the fine dining event.

Food and Drink

Cheshire Farmer’s Market: Twenty-five of Cheshire’s best food producers under the one roof, offering showgoers the freshest, highest quality speciality items including beer, pies and cheese.

Robert’s Bakery Food Halls: Two huge marquees filled to the brim with everything from speciality foods and gourmet cuisine to hamburgers, homestyle fish and chips, delicious sandwiches, sweets and freshly prepared pastries and cakes. There’s not only food but also Robert’s Bakery Live Theatre which includes appearances and cooking demonstrations by:

• Brian Mellor, an award-winning Master Chef of Great Britain, former Head Chef at BBC and Executive Chef at Granada TV;

• Ex-Coronation Street star turned chef and cheesemaker Sean Wilson;

• Richie Cunningham, Head Chef on the luxurious Northern Belle train

The Great British Cheese Marquee: Twenty-two cheese makers from Cheshire and the surrounding areas will offer visitors a mind boggling array of cheeses, from traditional to flavoured varieties. Sample those that catch your eye and buy your favourites to enjoy at home. Also view the best in competition honey and homemade wine entries.

Entertainment

Please note: All times are approximate and are subject to change. This is designed to supplement the information contained under ‘Attractions’ and ‘News’ at this website.

The Sheepshow: A fun and educational live show lasting 30 minutes showcasing sheep breeds and shearing by New Zealander Richard Savory. See the famous ‘Sheep Shuffle’ – yes, sheep dancing! Four performances daily: 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

School’s Out Marquee: Discover what the school children of Cheshire and the surrounding area are learning about and take part in a range of activities they have planned for you involving art, craft and science. Enjoy musical performances in the Bandstand Area as the county’s students sing and play instruments for your entertainment.

Competitions, Trade Stand Offers and Giveaways: Many of the trade stands at this year’s Show are holding individual competitions and offering special Show prices to entice the public to visit their stands. Many will also have product samples for you to try and taste so make the most of the five kilometres of trade stand space to bag a bargain!

Atkinson Action Horses and Creamline Dairies Main Ring programme: The Atkinson Action Horses are the headline act of this year’s Main Ring programme with two performances daily (Tue: 12:30pm and 4:20pm; Wed: 11:30am and 2pm). These highly trained animals and their masters will leave you breathless with their stunt work and tricks.

• Don’t miss the Pony Club Mounted Games, Eagle and Vulture Show, Vintage Machinery Parade and Scots

Guard Association Pipe Band, also performing at the Main Ring.

• The Grand Parade of Champions (Tue: 3pm; Wed: 3:30pm)

Sainsbury’s Agri Centre: See where your food comes from and meet the men and women who help to put it on your plate! Demonstrations include butchery, milking, cheese and ice cream making, sheep shearing, calf feeding and more. The Nickersons Information Hub showcases all of the crops grown in Cheshire county and the different foods made from them – from potatoes to crisps, wheat to bread and oats to porridge. Plenty of tasty treats to sample.

Church at the Show: Now in its 25th year, Church at the Show has developed into a place to meet friends, enjoy a cuppa and participate in services – Holy Communion at 8am and Service for the Countryside at 2pm on both Show days. Kids won’t want to miss out on a great lineup of activities including calligraphy and science demonstrations.

Women’s Institute: This year’s theme is ‘Holiday Time’ at the WI Marquee. The public can view how WI members have interpreted the theme through photography, arts, crafts, floral arrangements and cookery. This year’s public affairs issue is ‘microbeads’, found in toothpastes and beauty products, known to be harmful to the environment.

The Village Green: Show visitors can see quality entertainment as they catch their breath and a bite to eat. Continuous performances from Jeepers Jazz, The Jill Fielding Band, Mersey Morris Men, Rock Choir Cheshire and Kinnerton Morris Men. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Countryside Experience

• Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about ferrets in an entertaining, interactive 30-minute show (Tues:11am, 3:30pm and 5pm; Wed: 11am and 4:30pm)

• See specially trained police dogs in action with the Cheshire Constabulary Police Dog Unit display (Tue: 12:30pm and 2:30pm; Wed: 12:30pm and 3pm)

• Try your hand at archery and clay pigeon shooting

• Wild dog, gun dog and sheep dog demonstrations, falconry and heavy horse riding displays

First-class Australian cricketer Lauren Smith will make her debut at the Show, offering cricketing hints and tips, thanks to Ten Acre Snacks where the public can visit her at Stand C6/6. She was recently signed to Lancashire Cricket Board.

Add to this the best in British Showjumping, more than 2,000 dogs in competition, five kilometres of trade stands encompassing 700 stall holders, traditional fun fair, vintage machinery and thousands of animals, it’s easy to see why the Royal Cheshire County Show is the most highly anticipated agricultural event in the north west!

Competition schedules, judges’ lists, latest news and pre-Show ticket sales are all available at this website.

See you at the Royal Cheshire County Show on June 21-22!