Bakewell Show

The Peak District’s Rural heritage is epitomised by Bakewell Show, the largest tented agricultural event in the UK, also one of the oldest and is often known as the 'Little Royal'. The two-day event attracts around 65,000 visitors to the showground, which is sited in a beautiful location close to the banks of the River Wye.
There are over 300 trade stands plus competitive classes for horses, dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, pigeons, poultry, rabbits, horticulture, dairy and meat products, floral art, show jumping and vintage vehicles.  Together with several attractions, children’s entertainment and a varied food hall, Bakewell Show is a great day out for the whole family. 

History
When in April 1819, progressive farmer Wootten Burkinshaw Thomas called a meeting to try to find a way of turning the tide of depression in the farming industry, little did he imagine that he was sowing the seeds for an annual event which would become synonymous with Bakewell and the Peak District - The Bakewell Show.  Over almost two centuries the face of farming has changed beyond recognition, and although the industry is still in depression, Bakewell Show - known as the Little Royal - has gone from strength to strength, building a well-deserved reputation as the friendliest show in Britain. Organised by the Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society, which has its roots in that first meeting of farmers and landowners, Bakewell Show is one of the oldest agricultural shows in the UK. It has battled through a number of crises from facing financial ruin in 1909 when the Dukes of Rutland and Devonshire agreed to underwrite the event ‘for the foreseeable future’, to the most recent foot-and-mouth outbreak, during which it was one of the few shows to go ahead, but without animals.  Over the years it has evolved from a strictly agricultural event where local farmers would vie with the gentry for championship titles, to a show that reflects the diversity of farming and the countryside today. 

Modern Bakewell Show
The Bakewell Show is always on the first Wednesday and Thursday in August.

2011 Bakewell Show
The 180th show will therefore be on the 3rd and 4th August 2011.  
The Bakewell Show opens about 8.30am and closes at about 7.00pm and takes place whatever the weather! In fact Bakewell Show has not been cancelled since World War II, no matter what the weather – sun, rain, wind, or even snow. You can buy tickets through the official website www.bakewellshow.org through the post or over the telephone to the show office (see details below).  Alternatively you can buy tickets on the gate. 

Video of 2011 Bakewell Show





2012 Bakewell Show

1st & 2nd AUGUST 2012

Welcome to Bakewell, in the heart of the Peak District, home of the Bakewell Show!  One of the oldest agricultural shows in the UK with nearly 200 years of history, Bakewell Show has evolved from a purely agricultural display to the diverse event it is today with something for everybody!

Always held on the first Wednesday & Thursday in August, the 182nd show will take place on the 1st & 2nd August 2012 with some equine classes on Tuesday the 31st July.

The 2011 Bakewell Show was a great success, even the rain on Thursday morning couldn’t ruin our day.  The Chariots of Fire amazed, the Horse Drawn Hearses were magnificent and the New Longhorn cattle classes were well supported and the judge commented on the quality of the beasts on show. 

We have had some lovely comments from the general public and are looking forward to organising next year’s show!



The Showground

The showground is located just off of the A6 Haddon Roadon the outskirts of Bakewell, no more than a 5 minute walk from the centre of the town. On show days there is a Park and Ride service areas to the north of Bakewell at Hassop Roundabout and Pineapple Fields.  These are well signposted. Disabled parking is located on Smith’s Island.  This is accessible to Patrons and disabled parking permit holders only and is charged at £5.00 per day. 

Bakewell Show
The Showground
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1AQ
T: 01629 812736 F: 01629 813597
E: info@bakewellshow.org