Living Land FAQs - Kent County Agricultural Society

If you have a question about Countryside Careers, you may be able to find an answer here.

If you can’t find an answer to your question, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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What is Countryside Careers?

Countryside Careers is a free event for Kent visitors aged 13+ and those looking for a new career pathway in the land-based industries. Attended by local employers and further education providers, the event is designed to showcase the wide range of opportunities available in the agricultural, land-based and rural sectors across the county and beyond.

When is Countryside Careers?

Countryside Careers will take place on Thursday 11th February 2027 and will be open from 12-7pm.

Where does Countryside Careers take place?

Countryside Careers takes place at Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF.

Who organises the event?

Countryside Careers is run and managed by Kent County Agricultural Society. As a charity, the Society have the following charitable objectives, and in addition make a number of awards each year.

The improvement of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, allied industries, rural crafts and the breeding of livestock
The demonstration of improved methods connected with the above
The holding of the annual Kent County Show
The encouragement of agricultural and horticultural education, research and experimental work

What can I expect at Countryside Careers?

Countryside Careers is the opportunity to explore further education options for land-based subjects at A-Level and beyond as well as networking with local employers to discuss career pathways, entry requirements and more!

How can we get involved?

If you are a Kent-based secondary school, college or youth group and would like to book your 2026 spaces, please download the group booking form here and return to Sally.higgins@kentshowground.co.uk by .

Individuals can also book to attend for free via Eventbrite here.

If you’re interested in getting involved as an exhibitor, please contact Sally Higgins or call us on 01622 630975.

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1 Kent YFC
Catch the Kent Young Farmers' Clubs in action in their livestock rings by Gate 1! Watch members aged 10-28 compete to display their knowledge, skill and passion across all 3 days of the show.
2 Falmouth Avenue Trade
Featuring our Wool tent and Agricultural Trade section alongside General Trade stands, Falmouth Avenue takes pride of place directly opposite the livestock rings.
3 Livestock Area
Always a highlight of the Kent County Show, the livestock area houses a huge variety of sheep, cattle and goats. Take a ringside seat to see these beautifully turned out animals and their exhibitors in action as they go head to head to compete for the coveted title of Supreme Champion .
4 Living Land Village
The Living Land Village is an interactive and educational area offering a taster of our primary school event held in May. Bursting with activities for the whole family, this area will inspire learning about food production and farming in Britain through different zones. Activities in this area include digging for veg, cooking with locally produced ingredients, milking a demonstration cow and watching the legendary dancing sheep in The Sheep Show!
5 The Curious Cow Restaurant & Bar
When you're ready to take a break, stop by The Curious Cow Restaurant & Bar in the Clive Emson Centre!
6 Show Office
Visit our Show Office to upgrade to a 1-Day Members' ticket and gain access to the exclusive Members' Area.
7 John D Wood & Co. Astor Ring Entertainment
The John D Wood & Co. Ring boasts an action-packed schedule of entertainment, from all the thrills of our Showjumping classes to the incredible Grand Parade of Livestock... and not forgetting the stunning display from the Paul Hannam ATV Stunt Team!
8 Equine Village
Kent County Show plays host to over 100 equine classes across three days, including the prestigious Horse of the Year Show and London International Horse Show qualifiers, where entrants fiercely compete against each other in the hopes of securing a place at these spectacular equine events. Alongside all the action of the Equine Rings, the Equine Village is home to our farriers competitions, horse-related trade and plenty of entertainment for all ages! See our full ring schedule here.
Don't forget to leave time to browse all the equine trade to stock up on all your tack, clothing, boots, stable bedding and more!
9 Astor Courtyard Catering Village
The Astor Courtyard is the perfect place to stop for a quick bite to eat between equine classes or on your way to catch our incredible main ring entertainment from the Grand Stand!
10 Kent Art Quarter
NEW for 2026! Don't miss the Kent Art Quarter, a stunning display of Kent's local artists! Browse their beautiful works of art, join a workshop to hone your skills and check out the hundreds of incredible entries from children aged 4-11 in our Kent Art Competition.
11 Members' Area
Our Members' Area is an exclusive hub for all members of the Kent County Agricultural Society to enjoy the show from! Catch the John D Wood & Co. Ring action from the Members' grand stand, soak up the sun on the Members' lawn or treat yourself to lunch and a drink in the Members' restaurant and bar.
12 Garden Life
Stop by the Brachers Building for a glimpse of our Garden Life area! With competitions ranging from stunning Floral Arts displays to a school wheelbarrow planting competition, our green-fingered visitors are bound to find the perfect inspiration for any sized garden. Whilst you're there, stop by and say hi to the Kent Beekeepers and marvel at the incredible honey and beeswax craft displays, made with a little help from their buzzing bees! New for 2026, we're delighteed to be hosting the Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies' Summer Show. Find them in their marquee beside the Brachers Building.
13 Countryside Area
Discover our Countryside Village at this year's Kent County Show! With new entertainment, tradestands and demonstrations, the Countryside Village is the place to be for everything from field sports and fishing to fun for your canine friends. In the Bethany School Ring, catch fly-fishing, sheepdog demonstrations, The Lamb National, birds of prey and more!
14 Churchill Avenue Trade
Explore Chuchill Avenue to discover agricultural machinery dealers, our food market area and more!
15 Village Green
The Village Green is a space to stop and rest, grab a bite to eat and enjoy live music from the stage! It will also be home to Grooves On The Green, our evening entertainment for exhibitors, stockmen, members and anyone with a Saturday wristband or badge.
16 Edward Hardy Avenue Trade
The Edward Hardy Avenue is our prime trade avenue, where visitors can browse a wide range of businesses and food stalls.
17 New Kent Courtyard Catering
The New Kent Courtyard, situated close to Gate 1, is the perfect place to stop for food or grab a refreshing drink whilst taking in all the action from the YFC rings!
18 Pony Rides & Giant Aldabra Tortoises
Little ones inspired by the action of the equine rings won't want to miss the opportunity to try their hands at pony riding on the New Kent Road! While you're here, be sure to stop by and say hi to the Giant Aldabra Tortoises, back by popular demand after proving a hit for the last two years!
19 Woodland Area
Down in our Woodland area, watch the incredible working horses display, catch the Saxon re-enactment in action and have a go at archery with Joe's Bows!
20 Heritage Section
From tractors to steam engines, cars to motorcycles, the Heritage Area has a great selection of vintage vehicles on display, telling the story of transport through time. The Kent Youth Trials Club is back for 2026, celebrating their 50th anniversary, with their crew of daring stunt riders.