12th August, the second Saturday of the month, is just around the corner so it’s time for Ellingham Show 2023.
The show is back at its beautiful ‘home’ in Somerley Park, near Ringwood. Gates open at 09.00hrs and tickets can be bought on the gates – or in advance at www.ellinghamshow.co.uk. Children under 16 are free and there are concessions for senior citizens. Parking is free, with entrances off the Ringwood/Verwood Road and from the A338 via Ibsley Bridge. And, good news, there are no special directions to find your way around any Ringwood roadworks because they are all finished – on time and a great job, well done Highways England! Nonetheless, we ask all our visitors to keep an eye out for traffic information and to allow extra time for holiday and show traffic.
Chairman Tom Hasted, who leads the show’s team of volunteers, is hoping for a record crowd and a perfect summer’s day. “Our many loyal visitors know full well the challenges we have faced in recent years. Last year it was so hot that we had to cancel our ever-popular dog show and parade of hounds – decisions that were thoroughly endorsed by the RSPCA, but disappointing nonetheless. Understandably we also had fewer visitors who braved the intense sunshine; and fewer people through the gates leaves us with less money to distribute to local charities and good causes after the show. But this year, with a fair and gentle breeze behind us, we will be back to our traditional, complete programme – with six horse rings; our usual ‘entries on the day’ dog show; new acts in the Main Ring, including a parade organised by Hendys to celebrate 75 years of the iconic Land Rover; plus so many old favourites like the Livestock Show, the Heavy Horse display, Crafts and Horticultural Marquees, and vintage farm machinery. As ever there will also be a wide mix of shopping stands around the showground.
If you don’t take a picnic, there’s a great range of food stands on site to keep you going. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Church Tent; or, if you fancy something stronger, there are two Hall and Woodhouse bars; and, throughout the day a mixture of music to suit most tastes.
We’ve also dedicated facilities and rest areas on the showground to enable people with disabilities, or those with less stamina, to sit for a while before moving on to the next attraction.
This Show could not run without the support of the many individuals, businesses and organisations who have been supporting us behind the scenes, enabling us to bounce back this year. Our heartfelt thanks to them all.
Our loyal volunteers and committee members have devoted many years to the show – but there is always room for new ideas, talent and enthusiasm. If you would like to join the team, please get in touch with secretary@ellinghamshow.co.uk. All skills are welcome!
We hope everybody has a wonderful day!”
