Northumberland County Show returns on May 27 with organisers and visitors alike hoping for a beautiful sunny day like last year's event, the first since the Coronavirus pandemic.
Months of planning has gone into the show, with 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. It takes place in the picturesque Tyne Valley village of Bywell, in the grounds and parklands surrounding Bywell Hall, the home of Lord and Lady Allendale.
Parking is free and it's a good idea to get there as early as possible to miss the entry queues, which can snake back along usually empty country roads back to the A69, while there is a train station in nearby Stocksfield and a regular bus service if you'd prefer to use public transport.
Read more: Northumberland County Show returns with 'amazing' racing camels and giant tortoises
There is a food marquee, street food stalls and bars once you get inside, alongside a range of events and displays aiming to celebrate the best of North East agriculture. Here's everything you need to know about the Northumberland County Show 2023.
What times does the Northumberland County Show start?
On the day, gates at the Northumberland County show will be open from 9am - 6pm.
What are the main attractions at the Northumberland County Show?
The Game fair area and Military village are new attractions for 2023, while events in the main arenas and show areas include Joseph's Amazing Camels, the Inter Hunt Relay and the Sheep Show. Here are some of the main attractions and events to expect throughout the day.
- The Mini Pony Show
- Inter Hunt Relay
- Camel Racing
- Giant Aldabra Tortoises
- Reme Pipes and Drums
- Vintage Tractor Parade
- Fun Gun Dog Scurry
- Dog Show
- Tug of War
- Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling
- 3Sixty Bike Display Team
- Sheep Show
- Live Music
- Bands at the Show
- Taste of the North Food Marquee
- Bubble Football
- Farm Discovery Area
- Game Fair & Countryside Area
- SMJ Falconry & Ferrets
- Bailing Demo
- Military Village
How much are tickets to the Northumberland County Show?
Online advanced discounted tickets are only available on sale until the evening of Friday May 26. Adults (16+) pay £15 per ticket, children aged 5-15 pay £5, and a family ticket of two adults and three children is £40.
For seniors (60+), it's £14 while children under 5 go free. You can buy tickets here.
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 just an eight-minute walk to the show ground 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
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.
Those comming 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 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.
What are you most excited about at this year's Northumberland County Show? Let us know!
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