Royal IW County Show

The first Show was held in 1833 and years later, it’s still an important part of Island life, run by volunteers from the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society. 

Animals are the stars of the Show: cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and alpacas… if it’s got legs or wings, you’ll find it here.  The local farmers fight it out every year to win rosettes and trophies, and the Grand Parade of all the winning animals brings the Show to a spectacular and very noisy finale. 

The show is an entertaining, family day out. There are gun dogs and falconry displays, loads of tractors, a speed sheep shearing competition and horses galore. Superstar horse Red Rum came to visit one year. In 2019 we welcomed the superb Household Cavalry to our Show and in 2022 the Queens Colour Squadron did a fantastic display. 

It’s a show for all the senses – there are lots of opportunities to see, hear, smell, touch and taste.  We would love you to get involved in all the activities. 

Queen Victoria wasn’t easily pleased, but one thing that did tickle her fancy was our County Show – or Agricultural Show as it was known back then. She was a regular visitor, exhibited sheep here from her Osborne estate, donated silver cups that are still in use, and became our show’s first patron in 1882. The Queen also gave us our Royal title – making us one of only seven in the country with Royal patronage. We’re now very proud to be The Royal Isle of Wight County Show.