Hadleigh Show organisers are pulling out all the stops this year to ensure a thrilling line-up - while trying to draw more people into the farming industry.

They are hoping to recapture the enthusiasm of last year - when the much-loved event returned following the pandemic.

Every aspect of this year's show at Holbecks Park on Saturday, May 20, will be geared around school topics - with the aim of showing off the careers and opportunities farming offers, they say.

The show is organised by farmer volunteers at Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association.

This year members have chosen Cathal Maginn - who is originally from Hilltown, County Down, Northern Ireland - to don his bowler hat and serve as show director.

Cathal, 33, was a carpenter in Northern Ireland when he suffered a football injury.

He placed an ad and was invited to help out with the harvest at HH Craske and Son in Hadleigh in 2011.

He has been there ever since and he is now assistant farm manager.

While in Suffolk, Cathal met future wife, Bethan, who is from Suffolk and they now have two children - Emilia and Henry - both of whom feature in this year's Hadleigh Show marketing campaign.

The Craske family has been involved in the show for many years. John Craske was show director in the 1950s.

He was followed by both his sons Michael and James who have continued to work with the show. James ended his tenure as association chairman in November 2022. 
East Anglian Daily Times:

Cathal has always been a keen supporter of the event, helping to get the showground ready beforehand. He's also been behind the wheel for machinery parades in the Grand Ring.

He enjoys giving the public a behind-the-scenes glimpse of farming life through the show, he says.

"The show has been a huge part of my life since moving to Suffolk, making friends, having fun, seeing the public enjoying what we work so hard to put together," he said.

"Being show director is a huge privilege and gives me the opportunity to bring the things I love to the people who don't have the opportunity to see it everyday and hopefully give them their happy Hadleigh feel."

This year's show features a Shetland Pony Grand National in the Grand Ring, a packed showground full of tradestands - and shopping for wares from furniture to food.

Farmers and horse riders will be vying for trophies in the livestock and equine classes throughout the day.

The event will also be showcasing British agriculture from field to fork - with big machinery, older kit - and the evolution of food production right up to the latest technology.

The showground will be mapped for those considering careers in our industry - with every single element of the show related to GCSE and school topics, says organisers, who hope that young people will be able see the huge variety of options available in the  industry. 

The showground is owned by Emily Holden, daughter of the late Sir Joshua Rowley, who has given the Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association use of Holbecks Park for the show for many years. Members of teh family have been show presidents for more than 100 years.

Tickets are available online and at Keith Avis, Hadleigh, Hollow Trees Farm Shop and Boxford Post Office.

Once again tickets will only be available online or via outlets. There will be no tickets available for sale on the gate. Visit www.hadleighshow.co.uk.