As the big day approaches, we’ve put together a list of must-do activities and attractions at this year’s Suffolk Show, being held on May 31 and June 1 at Trinity Park in Ipswich. The annual two-day extravaganza will showcase the best of Suffolk’s food, countryside and agricultural heritage, while providing a great half-term day out for families.
Atkinson Action Horses
Where: The Collins Grand Ring
When: 3.50pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2pm on Thursday, June 1 (times subject to change)
An exciting new attraction for horse-lovers is coming to the Grand Ring at this year’s Suffolk Show. The equine stars of TV and film, including the BBC’s Poldark, will be wowing the crowds with a high-energy, breath-taking stunt performance, showcasing daring skills and tricks as seen on screen. The highly-trained horses and professional equine stunt riders will be performing twice over the two-day show. Make sure you don’t miss them in the Grand Ring.
4x4 Land Rover experience
Where: Stand 425, near the Bucklesham Entrance and Funfair Avenue
When: All day on both show days
The Suffolk Land Rover Owners Club is gearing up for its return to the Suffolk Show where visitors can experience a thrilling off-road experience. Around 60 club members provide their 4x4 vehicles, fuel and time free of charge, with the aim to raise thousands for local charities. Last year the total raised was £15,000 and this year the club hopes to smash its target, with all proceeds from the two-day show going towards the Suffolk branches of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Riding for the Disabled, as well as the Long Shop Museum in Leiston. A wide variety of vehicles motor around the specially constructed course at Trinity Park, including Defenders, Discoveries, Range Rovers and 101s, many of which are ex-armed forces or specially modified. Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy a ride.
Test your sports skills
Where: Sports Village
When: All day on both show days
The Sports Village is visited by thousands of show-goers each year but 2017 promises to be better than ever, with fantastic opportunities for children and adults to try out a huge range of sports and activities for free. Not to be missed this year is a chance test your football skills with Ipswich Town Football Club – the team will be offering free skills practice sessions as well as a chance to “Beat the Pro” in a fun football competition. The Sports Village is also the place to have a go at rope walking, spring cycling, horse-racing simulation, rugby tackling, fencing, dirt biking and many more! Another must-try activity new this year is the exhilarating free-fall Air Drop experience.
Dig for Victory
Where: Floral marquee, Flower and Garden Show area
When: All day on both show days
There are a number of interesting features in the floral marquee at the Suffolk Show this year, as part of the newly expanded Flower and Garden Show area. One exhibit not to be missed is “Dig for Victory”, sponsored by the Museum of East Anglian Life as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations. “Dig for Victory” will be a special display garden planted with fruits, vegetables and herbs in recognition of food-growing efforts during the Second World War. It is hoped the display garden will motivate people today to experience the joys of growing their own food.
Cookery Theatre
Where: Cookery Theatre
When: See separate programme on the day
The Cookery Theatre is a favourite foodie fixture at the Suffolk Show each year. Sponsored by Adnams and the Suffolk Agricultural Association, the Cookery Theatre introduces 16 local chefs who will demonstrate some of their favourite recipes, as well as showcasing local producers and foods. Emma Crowhurst and Robert Mace will be hosting a busy two-day programme of demonstrations, including homemade beef burgers followed by a delicious tarte tatin from James Barber at Aldeburgh’s White Lion, and a two-part dessert from teen chef Bethany Foster. The Cookery Theatre will also showcase a host of local food producers, including the East of England Co-Op’s Producer of the Year, Michael Coe, who will be sharing recipes and tips from Essex-based Great Tilkey Honey.
Sheep jute bag
Where: Art Show area
When: All day on both show days
If you’re looking for the ultimate keepsake souvenir, make sure you swing by the Art Show area (stands 667-671) to pick up a special sheep tote bag. The bags have been exclusively designed by local artist Jason Gathorne-Hardy and are limited edition for the Suffolk Show 2017. The Art Show area, located directly in front of the ringside clubs, offers a wide range of artworks to browse and buy, produced by various local artists. There will be more than 300 pieces of original work on display, featuring local scenes, people, animals and wildlife to inspire your imagination.
Meet the military
Where: Military Discovery Zone, Suffolk Show
When: All day on both show days
The Military Discovery Zone is popular hotspot for families at the Suffolk Show, with plenty of hands-on activities and a chance to get up close to military vehicles and machinery. Hosted by the 6 Regiment Army Air Corps, the military zone is also the place to meet local servicemen and women and find out more about military careers. This year the popular Red Arrows simulator will be on site to give visitors a thrilling experience of a flight in the famous Red Arrow jets. There’s also the chance to pitch your battling skills against family and friends with the Battle Stations Activities Laser Combat Zone, or visitors can try out some mud-moving equipment at the “Digger Land” area, hosted by the 23 Para Engineers. Families can also try out the parachute swing or battle against a military diver in a game of noughts and crosses!
Suffolk Punch story
Where: Equine Village, opposite the Suffolk Life President’s Ring, Suffolk Show
When: All day on both show days
As part of the Equine Village at the Suffolk Show, there will be a unique opportunity to view two special exhibitions from the Suffolk Horse Society and the Suffolk Punch Trust which explore the county’s rural history and heritage. The “Suffolk Horse Power: a living history” exhibition will look at the majestic story behind the rare Suffolk Punch, tracing its history from the late 18th Century to today. The breed is still critically endangered and the rarest of all British heavy horses. The exhibition, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will also be showing old film footage of working Suffolk Punch horses from the 1920s, as well as recordings of horsemen’s songs and stories. A second exhibition will look at the history of the Suffolk Agricultural Association and the Suffolk Show, dating back to the county’s first agricultural show in the 1830s.
Greene King Eat Street
Where: Greene King Eat Street, between the Grand and Trinity Rings
When: All day on both show days
If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a tasty treat to take home, Greene King Eat Street is the place to pick up something delicious. Eat Street offers a huge choice of food and drink stands, ranging from locally sourced artisan producers to unique culinary flavours from around the world. Other foodie hotspots include the Adnams Beach Eats area opposite the Grand Ring, where you can relax and refuel in a quirky beach hut, or check out the Adnams Food and Drink experience and food hall (stands 130-209) for a chance to meet more local producers than ever before.
Suffolk Farming School of the Year
Where: Farm Discovery Zone
When: Thursday, June 1, 11am
Twenty schools took on the challenge of designing and building the “tractor-of-the-future” from recycled materials. Five schools shortlisted for the semi-finals were then invited to attend a learning day at Trinity Park to find out more about food and farming and complete a challenge to reach the final stage. The final will take place on the second day of the Suffolk Show, where three schools will give an eight-minute presentation or performance using song, dance, miming, sign language, props, poems, incorporating everything they have learned throughout the competition. The winner will then be named Suffolk Farming School of the Year 2017.
Mascot Derby
Where: The President’s Ring
When: 2.45pm Wednesday, May 31 (times subject to change)
Don’t miss the fun and wacky Mascot Derby taking place in the President’s Ring on the first day of the show. The race, sponsored by Boltons, is happening earlier in the day this year so more families can enjoy the county’s favourite mascots race across an obstacle course for the special trophy cup. This year’s competitors include Super Sheep, Sally Strawberry, Nar Nar Banana, Speedy Gone Garbage, Ghostie, Harry the Hippo, The Bristos Skoda Yeti, Suki, Ollie and Stowmartian!
Side Saddle spectacular
Where: The Bucklesham Ring
When: Wednesday, May 31, 2.15pm
For visitors with an enthusiasm for all things equine, the Suffolk Show never disappoints when it comes to the amazing variety of horses and competitions. One of the most impressive, and unusual, is the side saddle competition. It is important that competitors look the part with a traditional riding outfit, which comprises of a corset, flowing skirt, silk veil and hat, as this is also marked by the judges. It is thought that ladies started riding side saddle in the 14th Century with Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, both keen riders, popularising the sport. After the Second World War, its popularity dropped dramatically until the late 1970s when the Side Saddle Association brought the elegance of this style of riding back into the heart of the riding community.
The Grand Parade
Where: The Collins Grand Ring
When: Wednesday, May 31, at 4.20pm and Thursday, June 1 at 2.30pm
The highlight of each day must be the traditional Grand Parade, a wonderful display of all the impressive champions from the Heavy Horse, Cattle and Sheep classes. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the most impressive livestock and horses from across the country close up. Each rosette winner represents a lot of hard work from its proud owners, so give them rousing applause as they parade past.
Evening entertainment
Where: Outside the Members Club
When: Wednesday May 31, from 6.30pm
As the first day of the Suffolk Show comes to a close, why not bring your dancing shoes and stay a little later for an evening of musical entertainment? This year one of the best local tribute bands, Mainly Madness, will be performing an upbeat mix of Madness song covers and ska favourites for all show-goers to enjoy. The performance will last around an hour and half on the Wednesday evening and will take place outside the Members Club, adjacent to the Collins Grand Ring. The Members Club and its facilities will be open for all to enjoy from 6pm, and food and beverages will also be available. Make sure you join the party and celebrate the night away!
Suffolk Skills Zone
Where: Suffolk Skills Zone
When: All day on both show days
At the Suffolk Skills Zone on First Avenue (stands 2-29) you can find out about career opportunities and the many vocational courses available at three of Suffolk’s further education colleges. Sponsored by Suffolk New College, the Skills Zone will give young show-goers a chance to meet current students from the college, and others from West Suffolk College and Easton & Otley College, to talk about their aspirations, and to find out more about job opportunities locally. The Skills Zone has activities to suit all interests. Decorate a cupcake (and eat it!), get a free manicure or hairstyle, make a plaster mould, produce an engineering component, or try the ancient craft of flint knapping. And watch students showcase their skills with competitions in brickwork, carpentry, painting and decorating.
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