What a show! The Lincolnshire Show made a dazzling return on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June – and it was one for the history books. With over 61,000 visitors flocking to the Lincolnshire Showground, this year’s event marked the highest attendance in 15 years, and it’s easy to see why.
What Made the 2025 Lincolnshire Show So Special?
As a family who loves getting outdoors and supporting local events, the Lincolnshire Show is always a highlight in the calendar – and 2024 didn’t disappoint. From the bustling farming displays to the delicious local food stalls, there was something for everyone. This year also saw the highest number of cars parked on-site, proving just how much this treasured county event continues to grow in popularity.
Hosted by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society – a charity championing food, farming and the countryside – the Show was blessed with glorious sunshine, making it all the more enjoyable for families, farmers and visitors alike.
Star Appearances That Had the Crowds Buzzing
One of the biggest highlights was a special visit from HRH The Princess Royal, who met with local breeders, stewards, exhibitors and members of the farming community. Her presence really underscored the importance of agriculture in Lincolnshire and the incredible work done by so many across the county.
We also saw the welcome return of Matt Baker MBE, who spent time chatting with families in the Countryside Ring, sharing his love for rural life. He wasn’t the only familiar face – Harriet Cowan from Clarkson’s Farm and Miss Lincolnshire, Mary Anna Jennings, also made appearances.
The Main Ring was buzzing with excitement, especially with the Knights of Middle England making their Show debut. Their thrilling jousting and horseback stunts had the crowd on their feet and were a firm family favourite.
Agriculture at the Heart of the Show
As ever, agriculture remained at the heart of the Lincolnshire Show. There were over 220 cattle, more than 500 sheep entries, and a thriving pig competition. The Lincolnshire Fleece Competition grew by more than 40% this year, while nearly 1,400 horses competed across a variety of classes – from prestigious Horse of the Year Show qualifiers to the always-popular Shetland Pony Grand National. The talent and care from our local breeders and farmers truly shone through.
Exciting New Features and Returning Favourites
There were plenty of exciting new additions and returning favourites this year, too:
- A beach installation offered a perfect sandy spot for families to unwind in the sunshine.
- The much-loved Farriers Area returned, showcasing the craft of horseshoeing with live competitions across both days.
- A brand-new Rural Voices stage gave a platform to farmers, rural changemakers, and young agricultural voices – it was inspiring to hear their stories.
- The Countryside Ring was action-packed with shows including Trickstars, Hawkeye Falconry, and much more.
Celebrating Local Talent and Innovation
Awards were also handed out to stand-out exhibitors. The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) took home the Hugh Bourn Trophy for Best Overall Trade Stand, marking their 50th anniversary with an exceptional display. The Witham Cup runner-up went to Peacock and Binnington, loyal Show supporters celebrating an impressive 140 years in business.
Young Farmers, School Talent, and Global Connections
It was also fantastic to see so many schools getting involved. Nearly 70 schools took part in the Schools’ Challenge, with St Peter at Gowts C of E Primary School and Queen Elizabeth High School among this year’s winners across ten categories.
A particularly moving highlight was the visit from the 2025 Marshal Papworth scholars – a group of students from across Africa currently studying agriculture in the UK. Their time at the Show was part of a wider learning programme, giving them hands-on experience with UK farming innovation, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge technology. It was such a powerful reminder of how agriculture connects us globally.
Reflecting on the success, Charlotte Powell, CEO of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said:
“This year’s Show has been a phenomenal success. From the glorious weather and incredible visitor numbers to the warm welcome we received from HRH The Princess Royal and Matt Baker MBE – it’s been a true celebration of everything Lincolnshire has to offer.”
A Fond Farewell to the Show Director
The 140th Lincolnshire Show was also a milestone moment for Andrew Read, who is stepping down as Show Director after many years of service. He shared:
“It’s been an honour to serve as Show Director, and I couldn’t have wished for a better way to sign off. Celebrating the 140th Show in beautiful sunshine, surrounded by smiling faces and a record-breaking crowd, was a real privilege.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Lincolnshire Show
If you missed it this year, don’t worry – planning for the 2026 Lincolnshire Show is already underway, promising even more to look forward to.
For all the latest updates, visit lincolnshireshowground.co.uk/ourshows or follow the Lincolnshire Show across socials:
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