One of the highlights of the Northumberland social calendar makes its long-awaited return this Friday after being postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic for the last two years.
Months of planning has gone into The Northumberland County Show, with the only thing on the day that's not under control being the weather. Thousands of visitors, volunteers, competitors and traders from all across the North East, Cumbria, Scotland and Yorkshire are expected for the one day agricultural event organised and run by the Tynedale Agricultural Society, which has been moved from its usual Bank Holiday Monday date.
Instead, it will go ahead on Friday June 3 to coincide with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in the picturesque Tyne Valley village of Bywell, in the grounds and parklands surrounding Bywell Hall, the home of Lord and Lady Allendale.
Read more: The Queen's Platinum Jubilee - what's on in Northumberland to celebrate the bank holiday?
Parking is free, but that's not the only way to get to the village - there's a train station within walking distance if you fancy having a few drinks alongside the food outlets, stalls, music, entertainment, marquees, and traditional country show action. Here's everything you need to know about this year's Northumberland County Show.
What times does the show start?
On the day, gates will open from 9am until 6pm.
What are the main attractions?
Throughout the day, there are all sorts of weird and wonderful attractions alongside the main stalwarts of the show. Here's what to expect.
- Newcastle Diamonds Speedway in the Main Arena
- Inter Hunt Relay
- Heavy horses
- Giant tortoises
- Vintage tractor parade
- Falconry and bird of prey demonstrations
- Gun dog scurry, fun dog show and terrier racing
- Tug of War
- Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling
- Bike 360
- Sheep show
- Bubble and dart football
- Whisky talks from Ad Gefrin
How much are the tickets?
Tickets are on sale online and will be on sale at the gate on the day at a cost of £18 for adults, £17 for OAPs, £7 for children, and £50 for a family ticket. To buy your tickets online, click this link.
Are you planning to go to the Northumberland County Show? Let us know!
How do I get there?
Travel by train
The nearest railway station is Stocksfield which is on the Tyne Valley Line which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle. There are trains from the city every 30 minutes on the day of the show.
Extra carriages tend to be drafted into service on the trains from as early as 8.30am to 9pm. From Stocksfield station, it's just a ten-minute walk to the show ground via an accessible footpath.
Travel by bus
Check services, routes and times to Stocksfield from Newcastle and Hexham here. For enquiries about local bus routes call 0845 60 60 260 between 8am to 6pm Monday to Wednesday this week - the office is not open on Bank Holidays to don't wait until Thursday!
Travel by car
If you're using a satnav or Google Maps, NE43 7AB is the postcode you need to know. The site is just off the A69, A695 and A68 main trunk roads (there will be lots of yellow road signs for the show, follow the blue P for parking). Bywell is about 15 miles west of Newcastle and 7 miles east of Hexham.
Access for those coming from Newcastle (east) on the A69 will access the show from the B6309 at the Mowden Hall junction and will be directed to parking 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 Syford.
All public car parks will be signposted on the approach to the showfield and stewards will be there to direct. They will also show disabled blue badge holders to their parking area, which is available from all routes. Parking is free for all.
For more information on the Northumberland County Show, visit the website.
Read next
Guide to North East Jubilee celebrations from a Cathedral picnic to a Kynren special
Where you can see the Platinum Jubilee Beacons in the North East and when they will be lit
Met Office shares Queen's Jubilee weekend forecast - and whether we can expect a June heatwave
Things to do with the kids around Northumberland this May half-term
Puffin Festival returns to Northumberland town after two years away with events throughout half-term
