Royal Cheshire County Show 2024 in glorious pictures

Among the UK's premier agricultural fairs, organisers expected to welcome more than 80,000 visitors to this typically quiet corner of Northeast Cheshire on June 18 and 19.

Now in its 186th year, the 2024 programme confirmed its position as one of the country’s top days out for families keen on country life, which at the same time provides a welcome boost to the local economy.

At the heart of the show will always be the livestock judging events which never cease to delight visitors, seeing breeders exhibit around 3,000 spectacular cows, sheep, pigs, horses, goats, alpacas, rabbits, and poultry.

Spectacular Shire horses pulling vintage carriages are a guaranteed crowd pleaser (Image: Newsquest)

Other competitions included show jumping in a range of age and ability categories, carriage driving, crafts, vegetables, cakes, jams, flower arranging, and more.

Foxhounds from the Cheshire and Cheshire Forest Hunts were surprisingly up for snuggles (Image: Newsquest)

Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool country family or serious city slickers, when it comes to entertainment, there was certainly no shortage.

From bird of prey demonstrations to giant tortoises, polo matches to a ferret circus, there were plenty of fun and educational activities to keep the whole family occupied.

Heifers on parade in one of the show's many livestock judging contests (Image: Newsquest)

In the main ring, high drama was provided by the mace-wielding Knights of Nottingham, who’s daredevil displays of jousting, mounted sword-fighting, and hand-to-had combat was a truly hair-raising experience for some.

Jessica Harrison (left) and Luna Finnie getting an introduction into the world of dairy farming (Image: Newsquest)

Later, following a dignified display of hounds and huntsman from the Cheshire and Cheshire Forest Hunts, kids were invited into the ring to meet the packs, whose enthusiasm for hugs seemed to take a few by surprise.

Fancy poultry made a welcome return to the show after recent bird flu restrictions (Image: Newsquest)

As you would expect from an agricultural show, food also plays a big part. The Robert’s Bakery Food Village caters for hungry visitors with just about any cuisine you care to image, and the farmers’ market was a real showcase of the best local and regional produce the county has to offer.  

Andy Salter with his St Bernard pup, Chance, at the dog show (Image: Newsquest)

There were also demonstrations of butchery skills and cooking from top celebrity chefs including Jean-Christophe Novelli and Shelina Permalloo, as well as Coronation’s Street actress and ITV’s Cooking with the Stars 2023 champion, Samia Longchambon.

Lucy Croucher looking serious ahead of the sidesaddle competition (Image: Newsquest)

Friday night was topped off with music from Boyzlife, a collaboration between former Boyzone and Westlife bandmembers, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.

Cheshire Show president, Tony Garnett, said: “We’ve always had a dedicated team of staff, chairmen, directors, vice-presidents, and volunteers, and it’s thanks to their enthusiasm and endeavours we’re able to stage this wonderful show.

Eight-year-old William Hamilton from Cuddington enjoying some vintage tractor action (Image: Newsquest)

“Their dedication and contribution is invaluable, and despite the success of the show over the years, we all realise the need to bring change, and this year was no exception.

“We trust visitors found the many new attractions enjoyable over the two days.”