Royal Highland Show

Edinburgh, UK
Frequency
1 year
Upcoming Dates

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Event Update

Between 20.06.2024 and 23.06.2024, the 2024 edition of the Royal Highland Show will take place. The event will take place at the Royal Highland Center in Edinburgh, Ireland. The venue will not include Covid-19 safety precautions due to the country removing its pandemic-related limitations. 

A Brief Overview of the Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show ranks as one of the most influential shows in the whole of Scotland. It is also one of the biggest and most important trade shows for the agricultural industry. The trade show is a must for any farmer and local business regardless of their sector because it’s the best way to position products and work on your professional network.  

Have a perfect outing at the Royal Highland Show and plan your visit to Edinburgh early on with GETA ltd as your partner. We’ve been working in the business travel sector for a decade and know the city extremely well. Take advantage of our large database of hotels and hostels and find the most affordable rates in the city. We’re used to working with large groups and work at every price point. Book hotels close to Royal Highland Centre that are well connected to public transport. 

If you need an airport transfer or a rent-a-car, we’re on standby. Do you need someone to build your stand? We’ll send a team to handle the job! 

Why Your Visit Is Worth It

As we’ve mentioned, the Royal Highland Show drives the Scottish agricultural economy and that is no small economic impact. You stand much to gain from showcasing here and we are bringing in all the statistics to show you why:  

  • 1000+ international exhibitors had their own stand; 
  • 190,000 visitors made the trip; 
  • 900 competitions were held; 
  • 2150 livestock competitors took part; 
  • 6500 animals in total; 

Industry Relevance  

One notable fact is that the Royal Highland Show has been one of the longest-running shows in the world, dating back to 1784. Today, the annual event is held every June and the show grounds are still the Royal Highland Centre just outside Edinburgh. The importance of the Royal Highland Show has to do with its importance to the community, as it’s one of the biggest and best places for nearby rural communities to meet, and it’s all a fantastic boost in tourism. 

Let’s shift towards the product lineup. The exhibition area has everything related to agriculture: horticulture, wooden products, plant protection and forestry, household items, outdoor sporting goods, food and beverages, flowers and fertilisers, agricultural machinery and supplies, equine supplies, produce, agricultural implements and tools. 

Who Are You Going to Meet

As we’ve already mentioned, the Royal Highland Show is open to everybody and the biggest share of foot traffic is generated by families with children and tourists who want to experience the show. But there are also a lot of visitors that come for professional businesses like farmers who want to compete in animal competitions or make big purchases. 

The Royal Highland Show does not just appeal to local manufacturers and retail, but attracts other European exhibitors like German sausage and salami makers. The food and drink area is one of the most popular areas of the show. One of the most interesting aspects of the event is that among the businesses with booths are brands and businesses that act as supporters of agriculture like banks.  

Additional Value of Attending 

There’s going to be a lot of art taking place at the Royal Highland Show as Flock to the Show embarks on an art trail across Scotland. This large-scale public art event is set to make a stop at the renowned Royal Highland Show, which will coincide with the highly anticipated return of the Golden Shears in 2023. The combination of the two promises to make the Royal Highland Show an unforgettable experience. 

The Golden Shears, known as the world championships of sheep shearing, gathers the most skilled shearers and wool handlers from more than 30 countries to compete for the prestigious title of World Champion. This event promises to be a monumental showcase of talent and technique. Competitors from North and South America, Africa, Europe, and even Australia and New Zealand will face off to demonstrate their prowess in the art of sheep shearing.

To mark this momentous occasion, Flock to the Show is launched as a way to honour the spirit and the significance of the Golden Shears and the Royal Highland Show. The art trail charts its course across the streets of Scotland (though it might make stops in select locations in the UK) and showcases a collection of awe-inspiring artworks.

This exciting initiative not only celebrates the return of the Golden Shears but also serves as a testament to the Scottish art scene and cultural diversity. Whether you're a local resident, a passionate art enthusiast or a visitor seeking a memorable experience, Flock to the Show promises to captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter its artistic marvels.

One of the most eagerly anticipated spectacles is the Grand Parade, drawing massive crowds to the Grandstand on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It’s great fun for the entire family and the parade brings out all the prize-winning cattle gracefully making their way across the Main Ring. There’s no other place where visitors can see the full breadth of breeds all in one place from the Belted Galloways to the Belgian Blues. 

For culinary enthusiasts and food lovers, the Food For Thought Conference & Cookery Theatre is a must-visit destination. Located in the eastern part of the Showground, next to the Forge, this area brings together renowned chefs, food writers and producers from around the country. Immerse your senses in the delectable aromas and flavours as talented chefs prepare dishes that will make you hungry immediately. In addition to live cooking demos, visitors are promised truly enriching discussions about gastronomy that are open to all kinds of burning audience questions.

If you’re more interested in action and adrenaline, a good place to head to is the Forestry Arena, where modern-day lumberjacks display skills and strength. The programme features pole climbers conquering great heights, bike displays, axe throwing demonstrations, and captivating forestry showcases. If this sounds exciting, then you should also check out The Forge – home to the Scottish Open Farriery Championship, where skilled competitors go head-to-head in horse-shoeing and shoe-making competitions.

Past editions

Royal Highland Show 2023

22.06.2023 - 25.06.2023

Royal Highland Show

Hybrid format; digital + live

217 000

Live visitors

140 000+

Digital viewers

113

Digital viewer countries

26 500

Chidlren in attendance

280+

Presented awards

5 000+

Competiting livestock

Held in hybrid format due to Covid-19

194,000

Live participants

200,000+

Digital participants

82

Digital participant countries

40,000

Children attended

305

Awarded trophies

Cancelled because of COVID 19

How to get to Royal Highland Show

On Foot

On Foot

Edinburgh Airport – Via Jubilee and Fairview Rd, 13 mins

Waverley Railway Station – not advisable

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By Car

Edinburgh Airport – via Fairview Rd, 2 mins

Waverley Railway Station – via Glasgow Rd/A8, 31 mins

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By Public Transport

Edinburgh Airport – via transports Skylink 200/300/400, 11 mins

Waverley Railway Station – via transport Airlink 100, 40 mins