Shropshire County Show is ready to celebrate 150 years in 2025

Matthew Webb, a 27-year-old merchant navy captain, became the first known person to swim the English Channel. 

In literature, it marked the birth of Edgar Rice Burroughs and the death of Hans Christian Andersen. 

And 1875 - July 29 to be exact - also marked  the start of what has become one of Shropshire's most beloved and popular events.

Yes, the Shropshire County Show began and its storied past is a testament to its enduring appeal. 

Since its inception in the 1870s, the show has welcomed countless visitors and showcased various attractions and livestock classes. 

Its origins lie in the agricultural competitions of the early 1800s when travelling judges visited Shropshire’s livestock holders and awarded prizes at annual meetings.

In December 1873, the editor of the Eddowes Shropshire Journal championed the idea of consolidating these competitions into a large-scale annual event. 

His vision for a beef and mutton show quickly gained support from the region's agricultural groups. 

Eventually, the concept expanded to include Herefordshire and Montgomeryshire, leading to the establishment of a West Midlands District event.

Despite initial struggles to secure financial backing from Shrewsbury’s influential citizens, the show debuted as a two-day show, organised by the newly-formed Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society. 

The inaugural West Midlands Show, held in Shrewsbury’s Quarry, was deemed a resounding success.

Historical records detail the impressive scale of the first show: four sheds of sheep, two housing pigs, a cattle ring, over 40 horse boxes, a large tent for wool, butter, and cheese, and two refreshment areas catering to different classes of visitors. 

Separate areas housed horticultural exhibits, while musical performances were provided by the Band of the Coldstream Guards and the Shropshire Militia.

The event’s success cemented the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society as a prominent voice in the agricultural world -  a legacy that continues today. 

Now, 150 years on,  the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society is eagerly anticipating the 2025 Shropshire County Show, a particularly special occasion given the milestone anniversary of the historic event.

There's something greatly appealing about the fact the annual agricultural show, which will take place on May 24 at the DMOS People West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury, has such a long and distinguished history. 

The event has evolved significantly'. Known in earlier years as "The West Mid Show," its essence as a celebration of agriculture, culture, and community remains unchanged.

The Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society was established  with its primary aim to organise the Annual Agricultural Show. 

Over the years, the society has grown, now hosting not only the Shropshire County Show but also numerous other events for entertainment and fundraising.

It's the county show which remains the society's flagship event, drawing thousands of visitors each May. 

With a diverse programme designed to appeal to all ages and interests, the show continues to be a vital part of the region's cultural calendar.

Phil Thorneycroft, Show Chair, said: “In 2025, the event will offer Main Arena attractions including a ‘Through the Ages’ Shire Horse Show, the Countryside Arena featuring racing pigs, the Welsh Axemen and more, our Livestock Competitions - which saw entries soar in 2024 - as well as shopping areas and a Village Music Stage and bar.

“We will also host a Shire Horse village for our Shires with static displays and demos for people to watch and learn from, such as plaiting and harnessing up.

“The 150-year mark is a special milestone, and we will be marking the anniversary with souvenirs for our volunteers and livestock competitors and a few other special touches.”

 As preparations for the 2025 show progress, the Society is excited to be celebrating 150 years of tradition, innovation, and community engagement.

Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to this year, Ian Bebbington, the society’s chief executive, added: "2024 has been another really busy year at the showground and planning is already well under way for our showpiece event this year. 

“We can promise another action-packed programme next year and we are working hard to bring in the top-line entertainment that provides something for everyone, along with our traditional impressive array of livestock classes.

“It takes a lot of work and funding to end up with a successful event that everyone can be proud of each year and one major way people can support us is through sponsorship. It is integral in our efforts to produce a successful show.”

The Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society  continues to oversee the maintenance and use of the showground for the show and many other entertainment, cultural and fundraising events.

All profit from these events is used to keep the roads, grounds, fences, and buildings on the showground in a good state of repair. 

It also helps the society fund its Rural Charity and Community Grant Scheme.

Neale Sadler, chair of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society, said: “Supporting the rural community in Shropshire has always been our aim, and with the work of The Rural Charity and our annual show, we can continue that support into 2025.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all of the businesses that support us and to all of those who donate to, or shop in, our Rural Charity shops across the county." 

The charity is also supporting Shropshire Scouts, who need help with transport costs to get 20 young people to Portsmouth to take part in a weekend with the Tall Ships Youth Trust this March.

A funding award was also made to Oswestry Senior Citizens Club in the form of a donation towards a new pressurised hot water tank. 

And support was given to the Friends of Clunbury School who wanted a storytelling wooden chair, with the Rural Charity working with Shrewsbury Men's Shed to make one for them.

The work of the society across the region and the impact of the show in bringing joy to people in the county and beyond should not be underestimated. Bring on the next 150 years!   

Sponsorship packages for the West Mid Showground and Shropshire County Show 2025 are now available, and people can find out more by emailingsponsorship@shropshirecountyshow.com or calling 01743 289831.