Appreciating animals or zooming down zip wires – it seems The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show has something for everyone

Action-packed adventures, animals and army displays are the order of the day.

Blacksmithing and beekeeping displays will be creating a buzz.

Craftspeople and countryside retailers abound, and cattle continues to be a major feature of the show. People travel from far and wide with their cows and 2024 includes the National competition for The British Simmental Society.

Dog agility displays; does your four-legged friend dare have a go?

Drinks and delicious food tempt at every turn. The Royal Lancs Show attracts the finest producers from across the county and beyond. It’s down to you to decide whether you sample at the show or savour at home.

Engaging and exciting demonstrations occur in all areas; don’t miss Chloe and the Super Spaniels.

Falconry, fire engines, ferret displays and a funfair bring plenty of variety – or head to the river bank to catch a fishing demonstration on the fly.

GIANT tortoises.

Heavy horses are back again for 2024 having proved hugely popular. Speaking of horses, there are also light horses, a Shetland Pony Grand National, and the much-loved Thwaites Shire Horses.

Ice creams and inflatables alone constitute most children’s dream day out.

Jacobs, Ryelands, Suffolks, Dutch Spotted, Swiss Valais Black Noses, Dorsets, Texels… and even more breeds of sheep than you could shake a crook at.

Kids will love the (free of charge) children’s village run by Girlguiding Northwest with lots of hands-on activities to explore.

Lamb National sheep race is a lively event for a laugh. Looking for a gift? Lifestyle brands and exhibitors have a whole shopping marquee.

Music floats across the show field and includes marching bands, brass bands, jazz bands and more.

New attractions for this year sit among Old favourites, ensuring the show stays fresh and continues to evolve over time.

Parking is free. On the show ground you’ll find pigs and pygmy goats, with poultry classes proudly returning this year after a two-year pause.

Quick-thinking visitors can grab early bird tickets online now at a discounted rate.

Ribchester is home to the show thanks to Chairman Colin Mustoe generously allowing free use of his 150-acre site. RLS radio is new for this year; a dedicated radio station where you can listen to all the up-to-date information in the build up, and during and after the show. There will be announcements about what’s happening and interviews with exhibitors.

Showstopping sheep shearing skills always surprise, and showjumping draws a keen crowd thanks to the super standard on display. Contests include the National Stairway Class with a total prize value of almost £20,000.

Tens of thousands of visitors over three days ensure the show’s ongoing success in its key aim of promoting Lancashire and raising money for charity year after year.

Undercover activities (and umbrellas) mean the show has plenty to enjoy, come rain or shine.

Vintage tractors and vehicles are very popular with visitors young and old.

Walkways make the show field as accessible as possible whatever the weather. 3m wide aluminium trackways mean prams and wheelchairs don’t have to contend with wet mud should there be a shower or two.

X marks the spot; if weather conditions permit, the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team may ‘drop in’ to the 100m x 60m Salesbury Arena.

Young Handler classes offer a great opportunity to see the care and skill displayed by the next generation of proud British farmers.

Zip Wire; a new addition for this year which is bound to excite little ones (and big kids), as is the Little Zoo courtesy of Bowland Wild Boar Park.

If you don’t already know, you can find out what a zwartble is at the show, and after all that excitement… you’ll probably be ready to stack a few Zzzzs.

July 19, 20, 21

Royallancashireshow.co.uk