It has now been over a month since the Kent County Agricultural Society hosted it’s 92nd Kent County Show and we thought we’d take a look back at the weekend’s highlights! As we celebrate the centenary of the Society, the show was a momentous occasion and an opportunity to reflect upon the history of farming in Kent.
As a society, our aim is to keep farming and rural life at the centre of the Kent County Show. After a successful return to the full-scale event in 2022, visitors this year benefited from an increased number of livestock entries, a greater number of equine competitors and more trade stands, heritage vehicles and floral displays to explore.
As part of the centenary celebrations the event was delighted to host His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. A longstanding Patron of the Kent County Agricultural Society, The Duke of Kent first visited the Kent County Show in 1968 and has made many visits to the show over the years, so we are delighted that His Royal Highness was able to join us for our celebration of our 100th anniversary.
During his tour of the show, His Royal Highness visited some of our wonderful Kentish businesses in the Produced In Kent marquee, greeted some amazing cattle exhibitors and their animals in the cattle rings, took in the sights of the Heritage machinery and took a tour of the Kent Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs marquee, to see the hard work and dedication of the young people caring for and exhibiting their livestock.
As part of its commitment to supporting new businesses and start-ups, the show was delighted to see the inclusion of a dedicated area entitled “New Kent Road”. Here visitors could discover hand-made and bespoke products, crafts and gifts.
Commenting on the success of the Show, Julian Barnes, Chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society said:
“It has been a great honour to lead the Society into its 100th birthday, as we continue to showcase everything that the rural sector has to offer to the county’s economy. In planning the event, we were determined to keep to our rural heritage, whilst providing an affordable family day out that was both fun and informative. On all of these points, I feel we have succeeded. As always, the event would not happen without the support of our army of volunteers, all of whom give up their time so selflessly, the generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of our operational team.”
Adding to this, Nikki Dorkings, General Manager of the Society, said:
“The atmosphere throughout the three days was fantastic, and we were pleased that all our exhibitors, trade stands, displays and entertainment joined the party and helped make this a really special Show for our 2023 visitors. I’d like to thank all of those exhibitors and look forward to welcoming them back next year.”
The dates for the next Kent County Show are Friday 5, Saturday 6, and Sunday 7th July 2024 and we are already looking forward to welcoming back both public and exhibitors to join us as we celebrate 60 years at our permanent home here at the Kent Showground in Detling.
