Suffolk Show

Event Update

The 2024 edition of the Suffolk Show will be held as a face-to-face event at the Trinity Park Conference and Event Centre in the UK. The event dates are set between 29.05.2024 and 30.05.2024. Due to the removal of the country's pandemic-related limitations, the event site will not feature Covid-19 safety precautions. 

A Brief Overview of the Suffolk Show 

The Suffolk Show has survived for nearly two centuries by providing the public with all the riches to be discovered in Suffolk County. It’s one of the biggest places for retail in the community – whether you’re looking to redecorate your home or outfit your farm – and it also educates on rural life and traditions. There’s no other show that can give you access to local buyers and much-needed visibility on a local level. 

Book hotels for the Suffolk Show well in advance to have your pick from options near Ipswich. A guide to local hotels, cottages and guest houses is GETA ltd. We know the area well and work with clients at every price point. No matter how many people are in your group and how big your budget is, GETA ltd delivers a completely bespoke service. It’s easy to make an online hotel booking for the Suffolk Show that’s located close to Trinity Park. 

Why Your Visit Is Worth It

You’re in good company at the Suffolk Show. The show attracts local businesses from all over the county and in every possible industry. Together this mass of exhibitors and animal breeders, who enter their animals for judging, create the perfect environment for direct sales and forming strong bonds with locals. Here’s the proof: 

• 90,000+ visitors overall attend the show; 
• 1000+ animals are regularly exhibited; 
• 350 acres of landscaped ground 
• 180+ years of history

Industry Relevance 

The Suffolk Show has had many formats and names, but the earliest that took place is in 1832 when the Suffolk Agricultural Association was first established. The county show travelled a lot within the county, and it was only in 1960 that it finally landed in Ipswich for good. Editions of the Suffolk Show occupy the sprawling grounds at Trinity Park and impress with its assortment of goods on sale. 

Visitors discover artisanal goods, crafts and art, fresh produce and fruit, tractors, trailers, diggers, cultivators, drills, muck spreaders, forage harvesters, sprayers, alcohol, flowers and gardening supplies, clothing, accessories and home décor. As with most county shows, there is a firework display at night, equestrian showcases, lots of local dishes and snacks. 

Who Are You Going to Meet? 

Fairfield’s Farm, The Heart of Suffolk Distillery, CLAAS, Churchill Brothers and Suffolk Wildlife Trust are some exhibitors and organisations that are present at the Suffolk Show. You’re in perfect company with local producers, clothing retailers, nurseries, floristry professionals, artists, distilleries and dining spots. 

The two major visitor groups are agricultural professionals – animal breeders and agriculture farmers – and holidaymakers – many of which are families with children. The vast majority of visitors are local to Suffolk, but there are also visitors who travel from other neighbouring counties. The Suffolk Show wants to attract everybody, which is why it caters to so many interests through its various zones – Garden and Flowers Zone, Military Zone, Sports Zone and Farming Zone.

Additional Value of Attending 

The Suffolk Show is an exciting annual event that offers exhibitors the opportunity to compete in various competitions. Livestock and equine competitions are among the highlights of the show, where competitors can compete for the chance to become the Suffolk Show Champion or simply for fun. The show features over 700 classes for heavy horses, light horses, ponies, private driving, scurry, coaching, show jumping, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats.

For those interested in farriery, there is a dedicated section with further information, schedules, and entry forms. The Flower Arrangement Competition is also a popular event, offering classes for all ages and abilities, from juniors to experienced flower arrangers and flower clubs.

The Suffolk Show is an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to see friends from the show circuit and enjoy the great show atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting, the Suffolk Show has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to showcase your skills and compete against the best in the region. Check out the show's website for more information on how to enter and participate in the various competitions.

If you’re not particularly fond of the idea of competing, then you might be interested in the general programme that takes place across the several rings at the park. There are events that start as early as 7:30 in the morning and go until late afternoon. It’s not a country show without some equestrian demonstrations such as the RoR Thoroughbred Open Ridden Show Series, Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry, Heavy Horse Turnouts and Show Jumping. But there’s much more to see such as the Broke FMX and Freestyle Motocross, Suffolk Gundog Display, Parade of Hounds and Mascot Derby. 

At the Sports Village, visitors can enjoy a wide range of completely free sporting activities such as mini off road cycle circuit, bee-line climbing wall, football games, airdrop, archery, geo tagging range, American football, trampolining, athletics, croquet, slack line, fencing, and cricket.

The Suffolk Skills Zone at the Suffolk Show, sponsored by Suffolk New College, is a fantastic opportunity for young visitors to showcase their skills and engage in a wide range of industries and activities. From science and forensics, hair and beauty, childcare, and creative arts, to tech, painting and decorating, flint, brickwork, carpentry and health & social care, there's something for everyone to learn and practice. 

Visitors enjoy a variety of interactive activities such as car searches, fingerprinting, experiments, nail art, hair styling, face painting, motion capture, and virtual reality. Plus, they can participate in demos, workshops, and make-and-take projects, like tile painting, bird box making, and bug house making. That’s only one of the several family-friendly zones at the Suffolk Show. Children will have a fun time learning about rural life at the Farm Discovery Zone and Countryside & Wildlife.

The Suffolk Show keeps you occupied throughout the day with excellent live events, shopping and local food and drinks. Not to mention that there’s live music performances that are worth checking out. You’ll hear from local performers alongside the Suffolk Wind Orchestra, acapella groups and choruses.