The Royal Lancashire Show

The Royal Lancashire Show
Name	The Royal Lancashire Show
Status	Active
Genre	Agricultural show
Frequency	Annual
Venue	Various (Lancashire)
Location	Lancashire, England
Country	England
First	1760s
Organiser	Lancashire Agricultural Society
Attendance	10,000–100,000

The Royal Lancashire Show is an annual agricultural exhibition held in Lancashire that showcases livestock, horticulture, rural crafts, and equestrian competitions. Established by the Lancashire Agricultural Society in the 18th century, the event has featured appearances by leading figures and institutions from British agricultural history, including breeders, landowners, and regional societies. The show links to broader networks such as the Royal Agricultural Society of England, county fairs like the Cheshire County Show, and national exhibitions including the Royal Highland Show.

History

The show's origins trace to provincial initiatives by the Lancashire Agricultural Society and landed families such as the Duke of Lancaster estates and the Earl of Sefton households in the 18th century, contemporaneous with agricultural improvements promoted by figures like Arthur Young and organizations such as the Board of Agriculture and Internal Improvement. During the 19th century the event expanded alongside industrial centres including Manchester, Liverpool, and Blackburn, attracting exhibitors from Cheshire, Yorkshire, and Cumbria. The show adapted through world events referenced by the First World War and the Second World War, when rural exhibitions across Britain suspended or repurposed grounds for wartime needs, and later interacted with postwar policies from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In the late 20th century, the show engaged with movements led by institutions like the National Farmers' Union and leveraged media coverage from outlets such as the BBC and regional press including the Lancashire Evening Post. Recent decades saw collaboration with heritage organisations like the National Trust and agricultural trusts including the Rural Development Programme initiatives.

Organisation and Governance

The show is organised by the Lancashire Agricultural Society with a governing committee composed of landowners, breeders, and representatives from societies such as the National Farmers' Union, Royal Agricultural Society of England, and county associations including the Cumbria Agricultural Society and the Cheshire Agricultural Society. Governance incorporates regulations influenced by certifying bodies such as the British Equestrian Federation and standards drawn from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals where animal welfare is concerned. Funding and sponsorship have come from commercial partners including agricultural suppliers like John Deere dealers, food retailers such as Marks & Spencer regional suppliers, and rural charities like the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. Insurance and health-and-safety frameworks reference guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and insurers with ties to entities like Aviva.

Events and Attractions

Core attractions include livestock competitions featuring breeds registered with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and associations such as the British Meat Producers Association, as well as equestrian classes governed by the British Showjumping Association and affiliated trainers linked to the British Horse Society. Horticultural displays follow standards used by the Royal Horticultural Society with floriculture exhibits reminiscent of those at the Chelsea Flower Show. Rural crafts and demonstrations showcase skills promoted by organisations like the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the National Trust’s craft programmes. Food halls highlight producers connected to the Soil Association and artisan suppliers who have supplied to establishments such as Fortnum & Mason and regional markets like the Lancaster Market. Entertainment and competitions have included working dog trials affiliated with the International Sheepdog Society, falconry displays associated with the British Falconers' Club, and vintage machinery gatherings drawing owners from the Vintage Tractor Club.

Location and Venue

The show rotates among venues across Lancashire and neighbouring counties, having been hosted near towns such as Preston, Blackpool, Burnley, and Lancaster. Grounds have included racecourses, agricultural college grounds like those affiliated with Myerscough College, and showfields comparable to those used by the Great Yorkshire Show and the Royal Welsh Show. Venue selection involves liaison with local authorities such as Lancashire County Council and planning officers from borough councils including Fylde Borough Council and Wyre Borough Council, with infrastructure support from transport bodies like Network Rail and Highways England for event logistics.

Attendance and Economic Impact

Attendance has ranged from modest county-level crowds to six-figure totals when aligned with national campaigns led by organisations such as the Royal Agricultural Society of England or when featuring headline attractions promoted through broadcasters like the BBC and ITV. Economic impact assessments reference models used by tourism bodies including VisitBritain and regional development agencies such as the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, with visitor spend benefiting local hospitality operators like hotels listed with VisitLancaster and supply chains including wholesalers linked to Bidfood. The show supports income streams for agricultural contractors, breeders registered with the British Cattle Movement Service, and rural artisans often represented by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Notable Incidents and Controversies

The show has faced disputes similar to controversies at other events such as the Great Yorkshire Show and Royal Highland Show, including debates over biosecurity measures advised by the Animal and Plant Health Agency and occasional protests organised by groups like Extinction Rebellion or trade unions representing rural workers. Incidents have included weather-related cancellations reminiscent of cancellations experienced at Royal Bath and West Show and logistical challenges involving transport unions such as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' Union in coordinating rail services. Health-and-safety investigations have involved agencies including the Health and Safety Executive and local coroners when serious accidents occurred, prompting reviews by governance partners such as the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and policy discussions with the National Farmers' Union.

Category:Agricultural shows in England Category:Events in Lancashire