Agricultural show set to be hugely popular
NORTHUMBERLAND County Show returns on Saturday, May 25, with organisers and visitors hoping for warm and sunny weather for the third year in a row.
The one-day agricultural event attracts visitors, competitors and traders from all across the North East, as well as Scotland, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Run by the Tynedale agricultural society, it takes place in the village of Bywell, near Stocksfield, in the grounds and parklands surrounding Bywell Hall.
There can be huge queues on the day on the A69, so visitors should look to get there as early as possible. For those who prefer to take public transport, there is a train station in nearby Stocksfield and a regular bus service from Newcastle.
Once inside the showground, there are more than 300 traders, animal displays, live music, and much more as organisers aim to showcase the best of North East agriculture. Here’s everything you need to know about the Northumberland
County Show 2024.
What times does the Northumberland County Show start?
Gates open at the Northumberland County Show at 9am on Saturday, May 25. It is open until 6pm.
What are the main attractions at the Northumberland County Show?
This year’s Main Arena act is Jonathon Marshall’s Free Spirit Show. Professional falconer and horse trainer Jonathon will ride Amadeus, the equine TV star of the Lloyds adverts and Game of Thrones, around the arena as a falcon flies through the horse’s legs at speeds of up to 100mph.
Alpaca walks and a llama display pen will also make their debuts at this year’s show. As usual, the Grand Parade, Tractor Parade, and Champion of Champions will take place; with the overall winner chosen from each category-winning animal.
Here’s the full rundown of what’s on at this year’s show:
■ Jonathon Marshall’s Free Spirit Show ■ The Dawn of Chivalry/Knights of Chivalry
■ Blue the huge velociraptor show ■ Giant Aldabra tortoises ■ Vintage tractor parade ■ Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling ■ Forestry and countryside area ■ The biking vikings
■ Pony club challenge
■ The Rock Choir and Studio K dance Bands at the show
■ 3Sixty Bike Display team
■ Fun dog show
■ Pipes and drums
■ Taste of the North food marquee ■ 300 trade stands
How much are tickets to the Northumberland County Show?
Online advanced tickets for the Northumberland County Show are on sale until the evening of Friday, May 24. Prebooked tickets cost £16 for adults, £15 for seniors, and £6 for 6 to 16-year-olds. Under-6s go free.
Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the gate.
How do I get to the Northumberland County Show? Travel by train
The nearest railway station is Stocksfield on the Tyne Valley Line which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle. There are trains from Newcastle every 30 minutes on the day of the show.
From Stocksfield station, it’s eight minutes to the showground via an accessible footpath.
Travel by bus
The Go North East No 10 bus provides an hourly service between Hexham and Newcastle.
Travel by car
Bywell is about 15 miles west of Newcastle and seven miles east of Hexham and the showground’s postcode is NE43 7AB. The site is just off the A69, A695 and A68 main trunk roads. There will be lots of yellow road signs for the show, and visitors are advised to follow the blue P for parking.
Those coming from Newcastle (east) on the A69 should approach the show from the B6309 at the Mowden Hall junction and will be directed to parking in designated areas on both sides of the road.
Those travelling from Hexham (west) should follow yellow road signs via the Styford/High Barns Road from the A69 Styford Roundabout – 5th exit – to Corbridge on the B6530, before taking the first left to Styford.
All public car parks are free and will be signposted on the approach to the showfield, with stewards there to direct. They will also show disabled blue badge holders to their parking area, which is available from all routes.
For more information on the Northumberland County Show, visit the website.