A Celebration of Animals at the 2026 Royal Cheshire County Show

Each year, the Royal Cheshire County Show showcases the very best of rural life, agriculture, and countryside heritage. Among its most treasured attractions are the thousands of animals that fill the showground with energy, competition, and character. In 2025, the Show saw more than 3,000 animals participate across its many sections. For 2026, we are preparing to welcome a record-breaking 5,000 animals, making it one of the largest and most diverse agricultural showcases in the region.

The Royal Cheshire County Show has always been a proud champion of farming excellence, livestock welfare, and countryside tradition. With such unprecedented numbers expected in 2026, visitors can look forward to an even richer experience, with more competitions, rare breeds, demonstrations, and displays than ever before. From majestic cattle and high-performing dairy goats to elegant horses and charming small animals, the Show continues to celebrate the depth and diversity of British agriculture.

The Heart of the Show: Cattle Competitions

Cattle have long been at the core of the Royal Cheshire County Show. The event attracts leading breeders from across the UK, each striving for championship titles in dairy and beef categories. Visitors can expect to see iconic British breeds such as the Hereford, Shorthorn, Jersey, and Holstein, alongside continental breeds known for their size and quality.

In 2026, the cattle section is set to expand significantly with more classes and entries, reflecting the rising interest in livestock showing and the strength of farming across the region. Judges will assess animals on conformation, condition, movement, temperament, and overall breed standards. For spectators, these classes offer an insightful window into the precision and care involved in producing top-tier livestock.

The cattle lines are always a bustling part of the showground. Families, farmers, and visitors enjoy the chance to get close to these powerful and impressive animals and to learn from their handlers about what makes a champion animal. With more cattle entering in 2026 than ever before, this section promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of the entire event.

Equine Excellence: Horses and Ponies Take Centre Stage

Horses and ponies are another cornerstone of the Royal Cheshire County Show, drawing equestrian talent from across the nation. The Show’s equine schedule includes elegant ridden classes, show hunter competitions, working hunter events, in-hand displays, and the ever-popular heavy horse section.

Spectators can expect to see a wide range of breeds including:

• Shire horses
• Welsh ponies
• Connemaras
• Thoroughbreds
• Cobs
• Mountain and moorland varieties

The Show has built a strong reputation for its equine facilities and judging standards, making it a premier destination for competitors seeking national recognition.

The heavy horse displays remain among the most iconic attractions. The sight of the Shire horses alone draws large crowds year after year. Their scale, gentleness, and historical significance make them a symbol of Britain’s agricultural heritage. Alongside them, spirited ponies, athletic jumpers, and beautifully turned-out show horses demonstrate the vast range of equestrian talent on display. With entries set to rise again in 2026 as part of the show’s significant expansion, the equine rings will be livelier and more impressive than ever.

Sheep and Goats: A Growing Showcase of Rural Heritage

The sheep and goat sections are among the most diverse areas of the Royal Cheshire County Show. With hundreds of entries in 2025 and more expected in 2026, visitors will enjoy an extraordinary variety of breeds and classes.

The sheep competitions feature traditional British breeds such as:

• Herdwick
• Suffolk
• Jacob
• Texel
• Leicester Longwool

Alongside modern commercial breeds, rare and native varieties, and junior handler categories, the sheep section continues to champion both heritage breeds and modern developments in the industry.

Goat classes at the Show include dairy goats, pygmy goats, and young stock competitions. Dairy goats are well known for their gentle personality and impressive production abilities, while pygmy goats continue to attract families and visitors with their charm and playful behaviour. For those interested in learning about small-scale farming, sustainable dairying, or rare livestock breeds, the goat area provides a wealth of knowledge from experienced keepers.

Pigs and Rare Breeds

The pig section of the Royal Cheshire County Show shines a spotlight on some of the UK’s most cherished native breeds.

Visitors can expect to see:

• Large White
• Gloucestershire Old Spot
• British Saddleback
• Tamworth
• Oxford Sandy and Black

These breeds represent centuries of farming heritage, each with unique characteristics, colouring, and agricultural significance. Pig showing requires expert handling, and the competitions often become a favourite among spectators due to the animals’ intelligence and personality. Rare breed preservation is an important focus at the Show, supporting wider national efforts to protect genetic diversity within British livestock. By celebrating these breeds prominently, the Show encourages education, awareness, and appreciation for the farmers who continue to care for and protect heritage bloodlines.

Small Animal Shows and Educational Exhibits

The Royal Cheshire County Show’s small animal and poultry sections add an entirely different dimension to the event, showcasing the beauty and diversity of smaller domestic species. These areas are particularly popular with children, families, and visitors interested in the intricacies of careful breeding and animal husbandry.

The poultry area includes:

• Chickens
• Ducks
• Geese
• Rare poultry breeds
• Egg competitions
• Junior poultry handling

The displays highlight both ornamental and productive birds, giving audiences a chance to see breeds they may never encounter elsewhere.

The rabbit and cavy shows bring together dedicated breeders who prioritise quality, temperament, and welfare. With dozens of categories and a remarkable variety of colours, coat types, and sizes, these competitions are a testament to the dedication and knowledge within the small animals community. Handlers are often keen to share insights into what it takes to develop and maintain excellent breeding lines. Together, the poultry, rabbit, and cavy sections help broaden the agricultural educational offering at the Show, making it a valuable experience for school groups and young visitors.

The Dog Show and Canine Competitions

Dogs remain one of the biggest attractions at the Royal Cheshire County Show. The canine events draw huge numbers of participants and spectators, and the Show regularly hosts open dog shows featuring hundreds of breeds. Agility competitions, obedience classes, and working dog demonstrations showcase the impressive capabilities of different breeds, from enthusiastic family pets to highly trained working dogs.

The agility ring is always a favourite, with dogs racing through jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, cheered on by the crowds. These events also provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about responsible dog ownership, breed traits, and welfare standards.

Farming Education and Livestock Demonstrations

A major objective of the Royal Cheshire County Show is to educate the public about agriculture, food production, and animal welfare. With animal numbers expected to rise to nearly 5,000 in 2026, the educational experience will be broader and more interactive than ever before. Demonstrations throughout the showground will cover sheep shearing, milking, livestock handling, rural crafts, veterinary practices, and sustainable farming methods.

Young visitors will have opportunities to participate in hands-on sessions and learn directly from farmers, breeders, and industry professionals. This practical and informative environment inspires curiosity and encourages future generations to appreciate and support British agriculture.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the animal numbers expected to rise to nearly 5,000 in 2026, the Royal Cheshire County Show is preparing for one of its most ambitious and exciting years yet. The expanded programme will offer more classes, more breeds, and more opportunities for visitors to connect with the farming community than ever before.

Whether you come for the majestic cattle, the elegance of the horses, the charm of the pygmy goats, the heritage of rare breed pigs, or the excitement of the dog shows, the animal sections remain the beating heart of the event. The Royal Cheshire County Show continues to celebrate the incredible diversity of British livestock and countryside life, and 2026 promises to be a landmark year for everyone who cherishes rural tradition.