The Sheppey Prize Art Competition To Be Launched At The Kent County Show - Kent County Agricultural Society

ARTISTS from across the South East are being invited to enter a prestigious new art prize.
The Sheppey Prize aims to showcase three aspects of the amazing Isle of Sheppey, Land, Sea
and Air, and is being launched by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent at this year’s Kent County Show.

Throughout history, artists including JMW Turner, Augustus Walcott, Damien Hirst and Fred
Cuming have captured the Island on canvass in their own unique ways. More recently, Rowland
Hilder painted many watercolours on Sheppey, staying at his home in Shellness.

Sheppey was one-time home to Edward III and to William IV, and a holiday destination of Henry
XIII and his wife Anne Boleyn, while Pepys, Dickens and many others were also regular visitors.

It’s historic Abbey, farming landscapes and award-winning beaches, are the backdrop to the
historic naval dockyard in Sheerness and the original home of the RAF at Eastchurch. The
Island’s RAMSAR, SSSI and bird reserves are renown internationally.

Competition founder, Swale Borough Councillor Mike Whiting, a former professional
photographer, said, “The Isle of Sheppey is where I grew up and is dear to my heart. It has so
much to offer and I want artists to visit the Island, following in the footsteps of so many greats to
capture its unique history, landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes.

“I am thrilled that the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, has agreed to launch The Sheppey
Prize at this year’s Kent County Show.”

Lady Colgrain added, “The Isle of Sheppey is a wonderful place, and I have visited many times. I
really do encourage as many artists as possible from Kent and across the wider South East to
visit and to submit their work. I look forward to seeing the winners’ exhibition at the Kent County
Show next year.”

The competition will run in three Open sections for those aged 18yrs and over. A junior
competition for 11-17 year olds runs alongside. Entries close in May 2027 allowing artists to
portray Sheppey through all four seasons of the year, with winners’ works being exhibited at next
year’s Kent County Show as part of their prize.

Full details and how to enter are at www.francis-iles.com/pages/the-sheppey-prize, or email sheppeyprize@gmail.com.

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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.