Newbury Show 2024: Back for day two … What’s on (and what the weather will do) on Sunday
We’re back for a second day celebrating all that’s best about West Berkshire with the Newbury Show.
After a barnstorming first day, packed with parades, displays, entertainment and surprises, the Newbury Showground will be gearing up for a big finale.
It is expected to be a wet day, with showers expected throughout.
The Met Office says the worst will be until mid-morning, and then easing off as the sun comes out in the afternoon.
Temperatures will reach highs of 19ºC, meaning the final hurrah of summer will be quite pleasant.
But with all that wet weather, stout shoes or wellies may well be sensible.
Whatever happens with the weather, the day will be full of funshine, with entertainment, agricultural displays, equestrian contests, food and drink, plus an arena with shows across the day.
There will be live music and organisers promise more than 100 activities that are free or low-cost that can be enjoyed.
The Newbury Weekly News has produced a show guide souvenir programme, which includes a map of the grounds, and full details of everything taking place, including those free and low-cost activities.
Tickets cost £25, £18 for over 65s, £5 for children aged three to 15. Family tickets are £44, while under threes and carers get in free. Prices are cheaper if purchased online, and it is also possible to pre-book parking on site.
Full details are online at newburyshowground.co.uk
Here are some of the activities and events that can be enjoyed on the first day. All timings are subject to change.
Main Arena
The main arena hosts the major performances across the weekend.
There is seating around the perimeter.
9am Steam
9.30am Pony Club Mounted Games
10.30am Heavy Horses
11.30am Vintage vehicles
12.15pm Parade of Hounds
1.15pm Bale Bonanza
2.15pm British National Scurry Driving Club Championship
3.15pm Grand Parade of Livestock
4pm Driving for the Disabled presentation
5.30pm Hot Air Balloons – Weather Permitting
Countryside Area
A space for traditional countryside events and local performers.
10am Conservation Award Presentation
10.30am Morris dancers
10.45am Parade of Hounds
11am Working Gun Dogs (Kintbury)
11.30am Colin Thomas Dog Agility
12.15pm Wye Valley Axeman
1.30pm Berkshire YFC fun and games
2pm Ray Prior Falconry
2.45pm Working Gun Dogs (Kintbury)
3pm Wye Valley Axeman
4pm Colin Thomas Dog Agility
Exhibiting in the Local Producers tent
The Newbury Show is an opportunity to celebrate locally produced goods, and the food tent is the perfect place to do just that.
Among those exhibiting, and selling their wares, are:
Bens Berkshire Bees showcasing West Berkshire honey, Berkshire Trout, CrazyDayz, Gee Gee Gin and Fuse Vodka, Highclere Castle’s gin and horsefeeds, Stainswick Farm for cold pressed rapeseed oil, and Tutts Clump Cider
Crafts Tent
The craft and shopping marquee will have a variety of businesses, again showcasing the best Berkshire businesses.
Among those appearing will be Broadlands Pottery, Rhian John Paintings, Cobra, Bowbrook Studios animal figurines, Candles @ Miss Soy, Personalised Pillows, Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, Sarah Pye Fine Art, and Forever Beads.
Agricultural Trade
With its accent on countryside business, it should be little surprise that agricultural traders will offering some of the latest, and greatest devices and innovations to make farmers’ lives that little bit easier.
Expect to see tractors, machinery, forestry goods, garden machinery, plant sales, and equestrian services, with experts on hand to answer questions and offer demonstrations.
If you’re coming to the show by car
The easiest access to the show from Newbury is along the A34 to the M4 interchange.
Exit for Priors Court Road where free parking is available at the Black Car Park.
Pre-paid parking can be found at the Red and Orange Car Parks.
For villages north of the M4, come on the B4009 through Hermitage to the White Car Park which is free to use.
If you’re using the bus
Reading Buses will once again be putting on its N10 shuttlebuses, linking Thatcham, Newbury Wharf and the showground.
These run from 7.40am to 6.50pm on Saturday.
Tickets can be bought on board and are £5 for a single or £6.50 for a return. Up to four people can travel for £15.50 as part of its simplyNetwork ticket.
