South Suffolk Show

The South Suffolk Show is a one day agricultural show regarded by many as one of the leading shows of its type in the eastern region with cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and a wide array of attractions.

It covers an area in the region of 90 acres and caters for a wide range of tastes and all age groups.

Come along to a lovely, traditional, rural day out, not to mention the arts & craft marquee, a new shopping marquee, food hall, countryside area, vintage farm machinery, trade stands and superb children’s entertainments, as well as the horse and livestock classes.

Dogs are allowed onto the show ground.

About the South Suffolk Show​

Organised by the South Suffolk Agricultural Association, The South Suffolk Show is regarded by many as one of the leading one-day agricultural shows in the eastern region. Held annually on the 2nd Sunday in May, and now in its 135th year, the ‘South Suffolk’ offers a fun-filled day in the great outdoors for all the family.
Throughout the 95 acre showground, we strive to entertain all our visitors whether they be animal lovers or petrol heads, fans of craft or thrill seekers, shopaholics or foodies. Traditionally we have enjoyed crowds in the region of 10 – 12,000 (and their dogs*) flocking to see the show’s attractions including headline acts, rural displays, horse and livestock classes, farm machinery new and old, traditional fairground rides and a plethora of trade stands. A picnic area is provided for visitors bringing sustenance with them, or alternatively the show has a public bar serving local ales, and an appetising array of local catering units sited around the showground. Gates open at 8:30am, with the Countryside Ring and Grand Ring Programmes commencing at 9.30 am and 10.00am respectively.
*Well behaved dogs are welcome to accompany their owners to the show, but should be kept on a lead at all times and owners must clear up any mess after them, and please do not leave them in the car.

Established 1888​

1888 saw the first South Suffolk Show, although then known as ‘The Wickhambrook & District Filly and Colt Show’, which was formed by W. Cuthbert Quilter MP who would ride his stallion around his constituency serving the local mares. It was the offspring of the MP’s stallion which would then be judged at the show the following year. The show has run every year since its initial setup, with just a handful of exceptions, and over the years grew to incorporate all the other elements of an agricultural show, eventually changing its name to reflect its wider content. The location of the South Suffolk Show has also changed over the years, utilizing venues across Suffolk such as Melford Hall, Ickworth Park, Kentwell Hall, Hardwick Heath in Bury St Edmunds and Tut Hill in Fornham All Saints. In more recent years the location of the show has moved to its present more northerly venue towards the Suffolk Norfolk border, but the name has stuck!

Attractions​

HOH Equine team will be performing in the Grand Ring at the 2024 South Suffolk Show with their highly skilled team of performance horses and riders, demonstrating poise and precision with an inspiring display of classical dressage, liberty, stunt and trick riding. Whilst the Shetland Pony Grand National will provide a gutsy spectacle of speed!
As always there will be plenty to see and do outside the grand ring including farriers in the forge, gun dogs working, terriers racing, farm machinery new and old, the Ferretworld Roadshow who will be looking for volunteers of all ages to race against their ferrets, and the infamous ‘Sheep Show’ with their dancing sheep!
Full timetable of events for the 2024 South Suffolk Show coming soon!

Gundog Display​

The Suffolk Gundog Club provide a remarkable display of skill and obedience with their retrievers and spaniels. Replicating a field trial within the grand ring, the dogs are put through their paces searching and retrieving on command. Constantly alert and with their eagerness to work, these dogs and their talented handlers never fail to impress.

Falconry​

Thrilling displays of falconry always attract the crowds around the grand ring, as birds of prey soar high over the showground before returning to the glove with deft precision. Accompanied by enlightening and entertaining commentary, a selection of birds will showcase their magnificent wing spans as they dominate the sky at the show. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE ONGOING NUMBER OF AVIAN INFLUENZA CASES IN EAST ANGLIA THERE WILL BE NO FALCONRY AT THE SHOW UNTIL GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ARE LIFTED

Terrier Racing​

The East Anglian Jack Russell & Lurcher Club delight the crowds with the antics of their Terrier Racing Team, and invite visitors into the ring to compete with their own dogs. Clear to see the joy on the faces of the dogs (and their owners) as they chase the sock, this is a firm favourite amongst dog lovers, and coupled with an equally popular event especially for the younger children called Race the Terrier!

Vintage Tractor Collection​

Lines of lovingly restored Vintage Tractors and Stationary Machines cement the agricultural roots of the show, allowing for a moments reminiscing over times gone by. This year’s Tractor Judges; Mr Angus Paterson and Mr Gary Woodrow, will be awarding the “Flack Perpetual Challenge Cup” for the best concours tractor, the “Clarke Perpetual Challenge Cup” for the best original working tractor (pre-1965), and the “Stacey and Partners Perpetual Challenge Salver” for best concours Stationary Engine. Those wishing to exhibit either a tractor or stationary engine, please click on the link below and return the completed application to the Secretary

Trade Stands​

Over 150 trade stands exhibit at the show, ranging from large and light agricultural stands, car dealerships, country clothing and accessories, schools, colleges, plants and garden furnishings, alongside an Art and Craft Tent and a Shopping Marquee both packed with unique creations, as well as a Food Hall full of tempting treats.

Livestock​

The South Suffolk Show receives awards and rosettes from the following Breed Societies; The Dexter Cattle Society, The Midlands and East Anglian Hereford Breeders Association, The British Pig Association, The Large Black, The British Saddleback, The Gloucestershire Old Spots, The Middle White, The Berkshire, The Tamworth, The British Lop and The Oxford Sandy and Black Breeders Clubs.

Schedule 2024​