A much-loved family attraction celebrating food, farming and the countryside will return to Nottinghamshire in May, with organisers confirming the date for one of the county’s biggest annual days out.
Now in its 141st year, the Nottinghamshire County Show will return to Newark Showground on 9 May 2026 with a packed programme of family friendly activities, alongside a showcase of food production, farming and rural life.
New for 2026, and headlining the main ring, will be the re-enactment group Knights of Nottingham, bringing a spectacular display of horsemanship and medieval-style action to the heart of the showground.
The main ring programme will run throughout the day, alongside parades, competitions and live demonstrations.
Also new this year is an interactive ‘Ask the Farmer’ feature, created in response to visitor feedback calling for more opportunities to engage with the farming community.
‘Ask the Farmer’ will allow ticketholders to meet farmers and those working within agricultural industries through a series of timed Q&A sessions covering areas ranging from arable and livestock farming to machinery and contracting.
Event organisers Newark and Notts Agricultural Society are hoping the new attractions will draw an even bigger crowd than last year which saw a bumper attendance of 16,300 people from across the region.
Elizabeth Halsall, events manager for the Nottinghamshire County Show said:
“We were delighted by the response to last year’s show and the positive feedback we received from visitors.
“The County Show has grown into something people really look forward to, and last year’s attendance showed just how much it means to families across Nottinghamshire. People enjoy spending the day here, learning about food, meeting farmers and their animals, and simply being part of something that feels genuine and rooted in the county.
“We are also excited to be supported this year by Sir Mark Spencer as Newark & Notts Agricultural Society president. He has long campaigned on matters of food security and food production as a former member of parliament and is an enthusiastic advocate for UK agriculture, running his own family farm and retail business in Lambley.
“Having Sir Mark Spencer as president is hugely important to us. He understands farming at every level – from national policy to running a family farm – and that perspective shapes the Show’s purpose.
“His belief that we must encourage young people into the farming industry is exactly why we invest in education, work closely with Nottinghamshire Young Farmers and continue to evolve what the Show offers each year.”
Alongside the exciting new additions, visitors can look forward to the return of firm favourites including the sheep show, Festival of Food which showcases local and regional produce; the Make, Bake & Grow competitions; the Community Zone; live music; trade stands; livestock and equestrian competitions; and a full programme of activities designed especially for children.
Tickets for the Nottinghamshire County Show are available now, with visitors encouraged to secure their booking in advance as the one-day event is set to welcome thousands of visitors.
Further announcements and full schedules to be released in the coming months on their website.
Tickets can be purchased via www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com
Posted on 03 February 2026
