About
Welcoming our new president Barbara Sleep:
This year we are delighted to welcome our First Acting Lady President Mrs Barbara Sleep. Barbara has been an active Committee Member for many years, heavily involved particularly with the Community Tent. She is also involved with many other organisations and calls on her experience as a Judge, a Steward and from her council position at the Royal Cornwall Show. Married to retired farmer Eric she is familiar with the highs and lows of farming life, whilst also managing to run her own Bed and Breakfast business. We wish Barbara a very successful year!
A message from the Chairman and Secretary
We thought you might like to know a bit more about the Show. Last year it cost £99,000 to put on the Show, yes, that much! Costs have risen hugely. Rain or shine, the cost stays the same and unfortunately, last year we had rain. Agricultural Shows are becoming more important in bridging the gap between Town and Country.
Educating both children and the general public about farming, food and rural ways is important - they are all very closely related.
Whether showing your animals or coming for a social day, there is no show without you!
Why not take a look, maybe you could enter something? Entries are closing soon – but there is still time. So, the reason for our message is to invite you to join in, exhibit or visit - we need your help and support. There really is no show without you.
We look forward to seeing you. Robert Tucker, Chairman and Sharon Horsington, Secretary. 07988 479452 – info@launcestonshow.co.uk
What do we have?
We open our gates at 8.30 am and close them at 6pm, see what we have on offer:
Trade stands offering a wide range of goodies - crafts lovingly made - food.... 'oh how we all love the food tent.'
The Young Farmers are a group of young people who know how to have fun - pop along and spend time with them – 'If only we were all young enough to join.'
A flower tent that smells delightful, popular poultry, the WI have been making cakes and our amazingly popular Creative Community Tent that is always bustling with colour and loveliness.
Do come along.....we are looking forward to seeing you.
2024 Show President - Mike King
Here's his message to you all:
'My association with Launceston Agricultural Show started in my early childhood, a day off school with my parents quickly followed by competing in show-jumping classes, then as a Young Farmer (and the associated hijinks), and on to stewarding for many years. I joined the committee as a teenager and have not missed a show in all that time so I am greatly honoured to be asked to take the Presidents seat for 2024.'
'Launceston Show, as it is now known, is a highlight of the local calendar, “the country comes to town, and the town comes out to the country” – livestock judging, horse classes, tradestands, art, crafts, music – we have entertainment for all.'
'Our one day Show takes a year in the making, as soon as one event ends the next one is prepared. Behind the scenes are months of planning by an army of volunteers dedicated to ensuring that when Showtime comes every aspect has been covered and it’s the best event it can be. Without the team who drive this forward we wouldn’t have the Show as we know it. We are all mindful that events like this must progress with the times – fresh ideas and new concepts keep the Show current. We are grateful to all those who make up the team, and extend an invitation to interested individuals who wish to come on board to ensure our Show has a great future.'
With my wife Caroline by my side I welcome you all to enjoy the best day out this summer
2024 Show Chairman - Robert Tucker
The Show Chairman is Robert Tucker. A sheep farmer, married to Hilary and with 3 grown up sons, Robert has been Chairman for many years and has seen many changes.
‘Everything is changing – the Show is no different. With most things being online, it was time our Show moved too. I believe this brought problems for our Secretary. However, we are delighted now to have our entries online, to have a new website and online ticketing’. The traditional heart of the Show remains. We now enjoy the best of both worlds. The highlight of my role as Chairman is to escort the President and his wife around on Show day. We get to meet and chat with exhibitors across the Showfield, in financially difficult times, we really are lucky to have so many traders attend.
My wish now, is that you thoroughly enjoy your day
Our History
- Hold a Horse Show for the district and that a Public Meeting should be held in the Guildhall, Launceston on Saturday 26th February 1887 to elect a committee and make all necessary arrangements.
- Following this second meeting it was agreed to make the sum of £130 available for prize money and that Thursday 21st August 1887 be fixed as the date of the first Launceston Show.
Upon reading through the minute books many of the same local families are still connected with the Show today which can only prove the popularity and longevity of the event.
In the early years, the Show was held within the town boundary of Launceston at both Windmill and Hurdon, until moving to the current site at Kennards House in the mid 1950’s.
Launceston Horse Show as it was known in the early days was highly respected as an equestrian event, and before the popularity of the motor car large crowds gathered each year with the railways running special “Show Trains” from places such as Plymouth to the event.