Record crowds flocked to Blaston Show on Sunday 28 June, enjoying a traditional celebration of rural life. Behind the scenes, more than 150 volunteers helped deliver the event, which once again proved why it remains one of the region’s best-loved agricultural shows.
Visitors were welcomed by cooler temperatures and a refreshing breeze, creating ideal conditions for a packed programme of entertainment, competitions and demonstrations across the showground.
One of the standout attractions was the inaugural Lawn Mower Grand Prix, which drew huge crowds to the main ring. Other highlights included the Grand Show Parade, Young Farmers’ Club Showcase, terrier racing, side saddle display, vintage and classic tractor display, sheepdog demonstrations and the ever-popular Blaston Trail, where children explored the showground while learning about British farming, livestock and crops.
Adding to the spectacle, visitors were treated to a memorable low flypast by a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Hundreds of competitors took part in classes throughout the day, with rosettes awarded across livestock, equestrian, vintage vehicles, trade stands and more.
The popular Classic & Vintage Vehicle Run and Display welcomed more than 50 vehicles.
John Biggin received the Best Turned Out Pre-1970 Vehicle award for his 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Salmons Tickford Cabriolet, while Millie Palfry won the Post-1970 category with her 1983 ex-RAF Truck Cab Series II Land Rover.
Alongside the classic vehicles, visitors enjoyed displays of vintage tractors, steam engines and modern agricultural machinery, celebrating both the heritage and future of British farming. Richard Lambert was awarded Best Restored Tractor for his 1950 Field Marshall Series 3.
The livestock competitions once again attracted an exceptionally high standard of entries.
In the cattle section, the Reserve Supreme Champion was the Commercial Champion, a British Blue Cross heifer exhibited by Johnny Lyon, while Kevin Ludgate claimed the Supreme Champion title with the Native Champion, a pedigree Shorthorn heifer shown by Jess Ludgate.
In the sheep section, Billesdons Oxford Downs secured both Champion and Reserve Champion Native honours. David Leedham’s Badger Face Texel was awarded Champion Continental, while Ruth Smith claimed the Overall Young Handler Championship with Dutch Spotted Kelby Hetty.
The equestrian competitions attracted strong entries throughout the day. Lucy Kemplay riding Hourvari won the Open Retrained Racehorse, Morgan Matthews riding Rivaal took the Ridden Mountain & Moorland class, and Stuart Ward riding Lematan Boston won the Ridden Hunter.
Record entries competed in this year’s Blaston Hound Show. The Belvoir claimed both the Old English Foxhound Dog and Bitch Championships, while Lucy Graham won the Young Handlers title. In the Modern Foxhound classes, the Albrighton & Woodland dominated, securing the majority of classes along with both Dog and Bitch Championships.
Visitors also enjoyed the popular parade featuring the Fernie Hounds, Westerby Basset Hounds and Bloodhounds.
The trade stand competition was judged by Show President Janet Granger and Andrew Granger.
Hedge Laying Landscape won the Best Presented Trade Stand award, Cleveland Farm Models were runners-up, and Langton Pottery received the Best Newcomer Award.
Blaston Show Show Director Matt Trembath said:
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s show such a tremendous success – our volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, trade stand holders and, of course, the thousands of visitors who joined us.
“Blaston Show continues to thrive because it remains a truly traditional agricultural show, celebrating the very best of farming, livestock, food, crafts, heritage and rural life. Whether visitors come from farming backgrounds or simply want to learn more about the countryside, the show provides a fantastic opportunity to connect people with agriculture and the important role it plays in all our lives.
“The show is organised entirely by volunteers, and every ticket purchased helps support local charities and good causes. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of everyone involved and are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”
MP Alicia Kearns said:
“It was wonderful to visit Blaston Show with my family and celebrate everything that makes our rural way of life so special. This much-loved traditional agricultural show is a fantastic day out for all the family, bringing together communities and showcasing the very best of our countryside, farming and rural heritage.
“At a time when rural communities can too often feel misunderstood, events like Blaston Show are more important than ever. They give people the opportunity to see first-hand the passion, hard work and traditions that sustain our countryside and produce the food on our tables. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the day and gaining a greater understanding of rural life. Long may this wonderful show continue to thrive.”
Members and guests also praised the excellent lunch and warm hospitality in the Members’ Marquee. Anyone interested in joining the Blaston Agricultural Society is encouraged to get in touch via membership@blastonshow.co.uk. Membership includes lunch, tickets, access to Members’ facilities on show day, along with a programme of social events held throughout the year.
Blaston Show was supported by a wide range of sponsors, with William Hercock Builders Merchants and Welland Valley Legal serving as the show’s principal sponsors.
Organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s event, which will take place on Sunday 27 June 2027 and will celebrate the show’s 70th year, when Blaston Show will once again showcase the very best of British farming and countryside life.
