County gears up for Suffolk Show with 100 days to go

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.

On Wednesday 31 May and Thursday 1 June 2023, the Suffolk Show will be hosting a huge celebration of all that makes our county great – including rare breed animals, action-packed sports, mighty military and fantastic food. Last year the Suffolk Show returned to a record-breaking crowd of over 97,000 visitors, roaring back after a two-year break during the Covid pandemic.

This year, farming and agriculture will be at the heart of the Suffolk Show, aiming to shine a light on the county’s pivotal role in growing and harvesting food. At every entrance, visitors will be greeted with mighty farm machinery, futuristic robot technology and examples of modern farming, with a chance to see the enormous pea viner machines in action in the Farming Live Area.

Elsewhere around the Show, visitors can meet the animals in the Farm Discovery Zone, sample local produce and watch live chef demonstrations in the Adnams Food and Drink Experience, get the adrenaline pumping in the Sports Zone, try interactive games in the Military Zone, feel inspired in the Glasswells Flower and Garden Show, and shop ‘til you drop on Dummett Copp Fifth Avenue.

There are 12 competition rings around the 300-acre Suffolk Show site, each with a packed schedule of entertainment. Highlights this year include the Shetland Pony Grand National and hilarious Mascot Derby in the President’s Ring, meanwhile in the Collins Grand Ring, RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team expect to be dropping in to wow the crowds once again on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

John Taylor, the new Suffolk Show Director, said: “The Suffolk Show offers something really special – 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. That’s why we’re pleased to retain the same early-bird ticket price as last year, under 15s once again go free, our car parks are free, and we’re proud to offer hundreds of things to see and do for free once you’re through the gates.

“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 at Trinity Park in Ipswich. We’re all working hard to put on a fantastic Show and we can’t wait to welcome visitors on 31 May and 1 June.”

The Suffolk Show is organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, a registered charity, whose proceeds go towards an educational programme for local children, including the School Farm and Country Fair held annually in April.

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 also free again this year. Tickets are always cheapest online, for more information or to book now visit: www.suffolkshow.co.uk/buytickets.