Kids go free at Royal Bath & West Show

Tickets are now on sale for the Royal Bath & West Show, and children – for the first time – can go free during the May half term, with a £5 discount on early adult bookings.

The Show, which will be held from 29 May to 1 June near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, offers a thrilling day out for all the family, with a packed schedule including exciting main ring attractions, live music, off-road driving, livestock and equine competitions, and plenty of local food and drink.

This year’s main ring superstars are Extreme Bike Battle FMX, a team of incredible stunt riders performing spectacular tricks and defying gravity to pull off jumps, flips and somersaults on every day of the Show.

Visitors can also meet television presenter and Cotswold Farm Park owner Adam Henson, have a go on the 4×4 off-road course, witness the daring antics of the Dorset Axemen and take a ride on the enchanting miniature railway.

For younger visitors, the Tractor Ted farm fun zone offers hours of entertainment, with a bouncy castle, ball pit, cinema and tractor driving school. After that, head to the popular Farming for the Family area to see chicks hatching, make mozzarella cheese, pet goats and learn how to milk a cow.

“The Royal Bath & West Show is a mecca for livestock competitions, attracting some of the best dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep and pigs in the country,” explains head of shows Alan Lyons.

“This year the show is delighted to be hosting the National Dexter Show for the first time, which will be sure to attract many entries. The smallest cattle breed in Europe, Dexters are descended from the mountain cattle of Ireland and can be found in three colours; black, red and dun. They are very popular with smallholders and provide great beef.”

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis will be introducing live music in the Pilton Tent – which is conveniently surrounded by high quality food and drink stands. Local performers include The Leylines, Molly-Anne, Imprints and David 9 Lunas. With the music continuing well into the evening, why not book into the Show’s campsite and enjoy a mini festival on your doorstep?

Take That fans should not miss the live stage show by Rule the World – the UK’s number one Take That tribute band. “With all the chemistry of the real Take That, the band has been hailed as one of the best tribute bands around, with Gary Barlow reckoning Dan Maines ‘sounds just like me’,” says Mr Lyons.

“As England’s only four-day Royal Show, there really is something for everyone, with top class showing and showjumping competitions, heavy horses, falconry and gundog displays, vintage machinery and a sports zone.”

New this year is a feature entitled “Great British Dogs” which highlights the plight of our vulnerable native breeds including Manchester Terriers, Irish Red and White Setters and Welsh Springer Spaniels. These will be on display with an opportunity for visitors to meet both the breeds and the breeders.

There is also an Imagineering Fair with fun engineering and technology activities, a safety zone and the idyllic Main Lawn and bandstand.

Of course, there is plenty of retail therapy on offer, with exhibitors ranging from country clothing and equipment to art galleries, garden centres and toy stores. In addition, visitors can enjoy food and drink from some of the best producers in the West Country, and taste award-winning cider and cheese, says Mr Lyons.

“The Royal Bath & West Show is a true celebration of Great British agriculture, entertainment, food and drink, and we look forward to welcoming all of our visitors and exhibitors later this year.”

  • The Royal Bath & West Show will be held on 29 May – 1 June. Competition schedules and tickets are available from the website: bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 776 6777.