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On track for 'strongest Norfolk Show since Covid'

Andrew Turner
BBC News, Norfolk
Stephanie Nelson/BBC A brown and white cow, in a leather halter with red, white and blue braid attached to a ring through its nose, is on display outside a shed at the Royal Norfolk Show. Another cow can be seen beyond, with a few agricultural workers standing in the distance.Stephanie Nelson/BBC
The county's food and farming is celebrated at the show

The organisers of the Royal Norfolk Show said they were on target for the "strongest year since Covid".

The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) said advanced ticket sales suggested it was on track to welcome 78,000 to 80,000 people over the two days.

It added that there would be 700 trade stands to visit and "very good show weather" with moderate temperatures and no rain forecasted.

Mark Nicholas, managing director of the RNAA, said: "There's masses of entertainment, but at the heart of it is food, farming and countryside."

Sam Giddens/PA Media HRH Prince of Wales, Prince William, being escorted around the Royal Norfolk Show. The prince is wearing blue trousers and a blue jacket, and he is gesticulating with his hands. His guide is wearing a suit and bowler hat. Other people are in the vicinity.Sam Giddens/PA Media
The Prince of Wales attended the Royal Norfolk Show in 2023

He added: "We are set for a busy and interesting Royal Norfolk Show and I genuinely mean that.

"We are not expecting any members of the Royal Family to attend this year, but we welcome any opportunity, and we will be happy to be surprised.

"Of course, King Charles is our patron and we always appreciate the support from the Royal Household each year, whether they attend or not."

The Grand Parade Ring will host displays of the county's best cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses.

It will also feature show-jumping, heavy horses, horse-drawn coach driving, a Shetland Pony Derby, as well as a rally of agricultural steam engines.

Representing Norfolk's links to the Armed Forces, the Duke of York's Royal Military School Marching Band will parade, and the RAF Falcons parachute team will put on a display, landing in the ring.

Royal Norfolk Show/James Bass Photography A teenager looks through a microscope, with other children in the background, and an instructor overlooking. Near them, inside a white marquee, is a plant.Royal Norfolk Show/James Bass Photography
The STEMM Village will help children learn about science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine

Agricultural machinery will be on display, and an array of foods and drinks made in Norfolk will be available to enjoy.

The show also featured an education section where young people could learn about science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).

Dr Samantha Fox, co-founder and director of the Youth STEMM Award, said: "The STEMM Village offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of science, technology and healthcare.

"With topics ranging from clean energy to the science of ageing, there's something to spark curiosity in everyone.

"EastWind will bring together a great showcase of the offshore wind industry. I'm particularly excited about the virtual reality simulations, which will allow visitors to step into the shoes of a wind turbine engineer and see what it is like to be at the top of a wind turbine!"

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