Suffolk Show organisers begin 100-day countdown with offer

The "buy one, get one half price" deal is only for tickets secured on Monday, February 20, to mark the start of the big build-up to the event.

Show director John Taylor - who begins his three years at the helm this year - said there was a "really good atmosphere" as year-long preparations for the two-day event on Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 1, enters its final three months.

"I’m thrilled to be taking the reins as show director this year, and the team and I are very excited to mark 100 days until gates open once more," he said.

Around 25 of the top team of farmer volunteers got together for one of their regular meet-ups in the run-up to the show and already the excitement was building, he said.

"It creates lots of chatter and lot of ideas and from now on it's hitting the ground running with the show. We have been planning for a long while but all the parts have to get into place and we'll go for it," he said. "It's really positive."

The annual event is organised by farm charity the Suffolk Agricultural Association and it will be focusing heavily on agriculture at both main entry points to the showground.

The Nacton gate area will feature Farming Live, while Foxhall gate will host a brand new exhibition - Farm 4 Future, which focuses on how farmers will be adapting over the next five years to one of the biggest changes in policy the industry has seen.

The government's "public money for public goods" approach means that farmers - who already have net zero targets - are focused on a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach in all aspects of what they do. Robotics will also play an increasingly important role so it will be a chance to showcase the hi-tech nature of modern farming.

The Farming Live show will offer an insight into growing vining peas - a big crop in the East Anglian region.

John - who farms at Clopton, near Woodbridge - felt public perceptions of farming were now more positive - thanks in part to TV shows shining a light on what farmers do. 

Last year the Suffolk Show attracted a record-breaking crowd of more than 97,000 visitors - but it was a very exceptional time as it took place in the same week as the Queen's jubilee celebrations and coming out of covid restrictions.

This year, the show will return to normality - but already sponsorship and trade stand activity are looking promising.

"We want to get back to a proper agricultural county show which is really what we want to achieve," said John.

Organisers are also holding back on increasing ticket prices this year - even as costs rise - in recognition of the cost-of-living crisis. They wanted to offer the public "value for money", he said, and also encourage families, with children still allowed in free of charge. Parking will also be free.

The Suffolk Show, our county’s biggest two-day celebration, will be opening its gates to thousands of visitors in just 100 days (from 20 February). With new Show Director John Taylor at the helm, this year’s event is set to be bursting with exciting attractions, new displays and free activities for the whole family to enjoy.

John's deputy this year is a good friend of his, Nick Watts, who runs a mixed arable and livestock operation at Framlingham Hall. His experience in stewarding the show ring displays was very valuable, said John.

Attractions include Sports Zone, interactive games in the Military Zone, the Glasswells Flower and Garden Show, and Dummett Copp Fifth Avenue.

A total of 12 competition rings around the 300-acre showground each have a packed schedule of entertainment planned.

Highlights include the Shetland Pony Grand National and a Mascot Derby in the President’s Ring.

In the Collins Grand Ring, there will be daredevil displays as the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team drop in.

"The Suffolk Show offers something really special," said John. 

"It’s a chance to shout about all the brilliant things happening in every corner of our county, and to be proud of our farming tradition, growing food for the nation.

"We appreciate that people are counting the pennies this year and are looking for high-quality, action-packed activities that will keep the whole family entertained all day.

This year, early-bird tickets are held at 2022 prices (£28.50 per adult) while young people aged 15 to 18 are £9.50 and children under 15 go free. Parking is free. Tickets are cheapest online. To book visit: www.suffolkshow.co.uk/buytickets.