What’s on at the 2023 New Forest Show 25th, 26th and 27th July, New Park, Brockenhurst
PARACHUTE displays, parading heavy horses, great local food and an array of animal classes are expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors to the New Forest Show later this month.
The three-day spectacular, which runs from 25th to 27th July at Brockenhurst's New Park, will boast a busy programme featuring everything from cookery competitions and art demonstrations to countryside activities and show jumping events.
Main ring highlights will include daily demonstrations from the REME Lightning Bolts Army Parachute Display Team, international show jumping and a parade of vintage tractors and farm machinery.
The show remains one of the only places where spectators can watch 16 pairs of heavy horses criss-cross and circle to musical themes during the Heavy Horse Musical Drive.
This year's event will also feature the Pony Club Mounted Games, which involve youngsters from various pony clubs going head to head for a series of challenges.
Another highlight will be the grand parade of prize-winning cattle and sheep, when champions and other significant winners are presented with their trophies and prizes in the main ring. This year’s show will also host the National Dexter Show.
Meanwhile, there will be plenty for youngsters to do, with the chance to take part in a tug-of-war with a vintage tractor, a dedicated Family Fun Area and dozens of hands-on-activities run by local organisations and charities.
New this year is the Culture in Common zone featuring a packed programme of live music, dance and other performances, delivered by local cultural organisations. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with have-a-go-sessions such as playing the ukulele or learning to draw cartoons.
Gardening enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a range of horticultural delights, from enchanted wildflower meadows to designer show pieces. Set to be a riot of floral colour, visitors can admire a stunning array of arrangements and sweet pea blooms, as well as viewing some gigantic vegetables in the vegetable tent.
The popular Bake and Cake competition will return, receiving hundreds of entries in various classes including cakes, pastries, yeast cookery, and preserves. There will also be junior classes.
Equestrian fans will be spoilt for choice, with international show jumping, scurry racing and other horse classes filling the North and South Rings.
A display of vintage farming machinery looks set to be a popular attraction, and will include steam machines, threshers, rollers and grinders, giving the public an insight into farming life in days gone by.
The WWII Land Army Ladies will also be in attendance, showcasing the essential role the women of wartime Britain played in keeping the nation going during our darkest hour.
The ever popular Countryside Area and Canine Ring will be back with a busy programme of daily displays, ranging from falcons and gun dogs to terriers and ferret racing.
Advanced show ticket are £22 for adults and £4 for five to 15 year olds. Gate prices will be higher.
To find out more, visit www.newforestshow.co.uk
