This year’s Heathfield Show is all set to be a great day out

This year’s Heathfield Show is one of the area’s biggest and most well-attended events and it is just around the corner, the show ground is packed full of stalls and entertainment and it is set to be better than ever. It’s a real look at country life.

The Heathfield Agricultural Show, which takes place on Saturday 27th May, is a fantastic day out whether you are aged seven or 70 – there is something for everyone. Tickets are available on line here at a discounted rate and 16 and under go free.

Around 18,000 people attended the show last year which not only offers a unique experience to visitors but also raises money for a host of local good causes.  BBC Sussex and Ashdown Radio will be at the show this year broadcasting live during the day. Other local organisations at the show include the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance, Sussex Young Farmers and Plumpton College. Plus, this year the show will have free wi-fi on site with the sponsorship of Lightning Fibre.

There is a real emphasis on local – local food, local crafts and local businesses new and old from the High Weald area. Over 200 trade stands, some local and some well-known brands, sell everything from jam to hot tubs and shoes to sheds. 

The show is divided into different zones:

Country Ways:  The artisan area of the Heathfield Show with demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing and ‘enter on the day’ terrier racing. Why not pop along and see some live chain saw carving!

Education:  Hands on experiences for all. Sussex Young Farmers Federation, South Brockwell Farm and Plumpton College also have areas in this marquee

Farmers Market:  Award winning local producers, suppling a wide range of quality food and drink all made and produced by themselves, an opportunity to meet and buy local produce direct from the producers.

Arts & Crafts Marquee:  A showcase of hand-crafted, unique products. The Heathfield Agricultural Show celebrates the creativity and passion for working with raw and natural materials in both traditional and modern formats.

New Enterprise Zone:  Businesses who have been trading for less than a year have the opportunity to promote their products at the Heathfield Show. This year’s businesses are: Bounce Heathfield, Heathfield Accupuncture, Mulberry & Cocoa, Penshurst Fuels, Petalk and Sow Wild.

Vintage Tractors and Working Steam: Vintage tractors are back again with some dating back to the 1940s and majestic older steam vehicles will also be on display.

Women’s Institute: The theme in the WI exhibition this year is flowers and, to showcase the important part they play in the countryside, they will be inviting everyone to colour in a flower and stick it to the WI  collage.

Trade Stands: Huge range of rural based trade services from land management services and machinery to all things agricultural: equipment dealerships, machinery, services and specialists, crafts, clothing and gifts, equine and livestock products.

Food Marquee: Where you can taste and purchase everything from local wine to artisan pies, puddings and toffees.

The ever popular Shetland Pony Grand National will also be running again. You can watch the champion jockeys of tomorrow compete to win the thrilling Shetland Pony Grand National. Riders must be aged nine to 14 years old, under 5’ 1” tall and able to walk, trot, canter and jump confidently without a leader. Over the course of the year a series of qualifying races take place at various locations to produce the top 10 who will go through to the main event at the London International Horse Show at Olympia. The organisation raises money for charity. It’s fast, furious and fun!

Six rings showcase different events at various times such as heavy horse displays and a chance to meet the local gun dogs.  Big crowds always form for the exciting Big Pete and the Monster Trucks displays – one of Europe’s largest Monster Trucks with a full size American truck body, and is now partnered by the Grim Reaper.  This is a chance to watch two real Monster Trucks at work jumping and crushing cars. Jumping 15ft in the air is an impressive sight for any event, crushing anything in its path.

The show also offers farmers, livestock owners and horseriders the opportunity to compete against each other while showcasing their amazing animals. You will get the chance to see huge, beautifully groomed cattle being led around the ring by expert handlers. If you like pigs and sheep, there will be some wonderful specimens on show – all looking to impress the judges and win prizes.

There is the ever popular Sheep Show which is returning this year. The New Zealand style team of presenters educate and entertain with their fantastic sheep all over the country. ‘Nobby’ the Norfolk Horn stands centre stage while others are introduced to their podiums. We learn about each breed’s attributes and how wool from the sheep’s back becomes a jumper to wear. The shearing demonstration is well commentated and has the audience captivated.

The 30-minute show is cleverly devised and is highly entertaining and extremely informative, a rare combination. The highlight of the show is the “The sheep show Hustle – Dancing sheep!

More than 120 people and companies sponsor the Heathfield & District Agricultural Show each year. This year the main sponsors are: Lightning Fibre, Courtney Group, BBC Sussex Radio, Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors, The Heathfield News, Batchellor Monkhouse, Agrifactors, Cranwell Wealth Solutions, Foresters and PJ Skips. Over 18,000 people attended the Heathfield Show in 2018 and, with free admission for children, the event is one of the best one day agricultural shows in the UK.

Why not enhance your experience this year by joining the Heathfield & District Agricultural Show Society. There are many advantages of, not least the opportunity to visit the show and enjoy privileged facilities and support the show’s ongoing success. Find out more HERE.

The Heathfield News is delighted to be the official media partner again this year.