The South of England Show is set to return from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June 2025 at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex.
Following a strong livestock section last year, there will be over 300 classes for 2025, with entries opening in March, bluetongue and DEFRA rules allowing. Exhibitors will once again receive free tickets to the stockman’s dinner on Saturday evening, with tickets allocated according to the number of animals entered.
Beyond the show rings, the event provides great opportunities for farmers and landowners to connect and engage with each other as well as with industry leaders. The popular ringside farmers’ marquee, hosted by Long Man Brewery, will again serve as a hub for informal networking and discussions. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) will be hosting a breakfast event and presenting the association’s Rural Excellence Awards on the Friday.
New for 2025 is a wildlife and food production area, designed to highlight the essential balance between farming and environmental conservation. Industry experts will be on hand to share best practice, and on the Saturday the area will host a farming technical forum which will also be streamed live online. This new area will also serve as an interactive space where the public can learn how farmers, landowners and agricultural organisations implement innovative approaches to protect biodiversity while maintaining productive farms.
For equestrian enthusiasts, over 130 competitive classes will be on offer plus heavy horse displays, the exhilarating Inter Hunt Relay and scurry driving. Younger riders will be part of the action, with the ever-popular Shetland Pony Grand National once again taking centre stage alongside the Equestrian Games UK, with mounted competitions for young equestrians. New for 2025 will be live talks and demonstrations from farriers and equestrian professionals in a ‘Beyond the Stable Door’ event on the Saturday.
For those passionate about rural traditions, the show presents a vibrant programme of countryside entertainment. Visitors can witness expert search and rescue dog demonstrations, marvel at falconry displays and watch traditional woodland skills in action. A dedicated medieval reenactment zone will transport guests back in time, offering an engaging look at historic rural life, while vintage agricultural machinery and the British Army showcase will add to the variety of attractions.
The bustling food hall and village will celebrate the finest locally produced goods, and a grape & grain walk and gin alley will offer a journey through the region’s best wines, craft beers, ciders and handcrafted spirits from independent distilleries. The Made in Sussex area will also return for 2025, showcasing an array of artisan goods, from food and drink to countryside-inspired clothing, accessories and homeware. For families, the show offers an exciting day out packed with interactive activities and educational experiences. Children can enjoy hands-on cookery workshops, meet farm animals up close and ride mini steam trains.
Applications for trade stands are now open. Tickets for the show can be purchased at www.seas.org.uk and cost £24.30 for adults and £22.50 for senior citizens/students, including a 10% advance discount until 29 May 2025. Children under 16 can enter for free (suggested donation of £2). Dogs are discouraged.
