Category: Agricultural Society

Three Counties Showground Named Finalist in Visit Worcestershire Awards 2023/24

August 24, 2023

The Three Counties Showground has been announced as a finalist in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2023/24 in the category of Business Events Venue of the Year.

In total, 42 Worcestershire businesses have been shortlisted for the annual Awards. Finalists will now progress to the second round of judging where independent experts from the tourism industry will decide the winners and highly commended. Winners will qualify to compete in the Visit England Awards of Excellence.

Attracting over 1 million visitors per year, Three Counties Showground is home to Three Counties Agricultural Society’s flagship events, including Malvern Autumn Show, which takes place on 22-24 September 2023, as well as RHS Malvern Spring Festival (9-12 May 2024) and Royal Three Counties Show (14-16 June 2024). The charity seeks to promote the benefits of horticulture, agriculture and rural interests to its visitors by putting on events that focus on plants and growing, farming and food.

In addition to planning and executing its own shows, the charity manages a full and varied diary of third-party events with hirers running events on over 300 days of the year. Events range from large-scale productions including BusFest, TruckFest and Winter Glow (Check out Winter Glow’s Christmas Family Ideas) alongside Antiques Markets, Flea Fairs and Scout meets. Three Counties also supports schools and home educators with educational events for young people such as Three Counties Careers Fair.

David Prescott, Chief Executive at Three Counties said, “We are thrilled to be nominated as a finalist in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards. The team at Three Counties works hard all year round to support the horticultural and agricultural communities with our own event programme, as well as businesses through our venue hire calendar. The Showground is a truly multifaceted venue that appeals to a range of different audiences; it’s a place that is special to many families and valued by its exhibitors. We’re really proud and excited to be recognized by these prestigious awards.”

Businesses in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire hold corporate events at The Showground across the year including Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce business EXPO, alongside business breakfasts.

The Showground also plays host to comprehensive programme of equine events featuring top-class competitions and HOYS qualifiers, as well as dog shows for various breeds, including Three Counties Championship Dog Show.

Winners will be announced at the annual black-tie event, hosted this year at Ombersley Court on Friday 15 March. Visit Worcestershire will be working with local suppliers to deliver the event which includes Bromsgrove-based Fews Marquees, who will be providing a state-of-the-art Orangery where the awards ceremony will take place. Other finalists in the Business Events Venue of the Year category include The Lygon Arms Hotel, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel and Crumblebury.

Malvern Autumn Show launches fresh new look for 2023!

June 23, 2023

Malvern Autumn Show, in association with Westons, is the UK’s biggest harvest season celebration, held each autumn at Three Counties Showground, and new for its 27^th annual event, the show has unveiled a fresh new identity for the three-day extravaganza, from 22 – 24 September 2023.

Nestled below Worcestershire’s glorious Malvern Hills, the event is a seasonal showcase celebrating the very best of autumn, from giant fruits and vegetables to demos from celebrity chefs, artisan ciders and perries to locally produced food and drink.

A real highlight is always the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, where competitors from across the country battle it out for a chance to win the coveted Guinness World Records title. Each year new records are set with gigantic legumes and enormous fruits. Visitors can peruse everything from super-sized pumpkins to extra-long leeks in a purpose-built marquee, housing hundreds of entrants. Meanwhile, in the colossal Harvest Pavilion, visitors can admire over 175 different Grow to Show classes where growers present the very best produce grown in their garden or allotment space including cut flowers, fruit, vegetables and succulents.

The RHS Flower Show will bring a riot of colour and fragrance with dazzling seasonal blooms, as some of the UK’s best nurseries and growers compete for recognition from the esteemed RHS judges. Visitors feeling inspired can pick up some interesting bulbs, plants and flowers to take home and transform their own outdoor space in the plant nurseries and plant and bulb arcades. Expert growers will be on hand to offer helpful suggestions and advice for the best plants to suit your space.

The Family Green will host a range of entertainment and activities for all ages, including willow weaving, pedal tractors, circus and bushcraft skills, wand making and broomstick making. There will also be animals to meet, including rabbits, cavies, ponies, dogs, pigs and exotic animals. After working up an appetite, tuck in to a delicious dish from an impressive range of street food traders in the Food and Drink Festival, or pick up foodie treats to take home from the Artisan Food and Drink Market.

Sit back and soak up the atmosphere and live music with a refreshing, locally produced cider in the Westons Cider Garden, or if perry is more your thing, head to the Festival of Perry, where over 50 different types will be available to sample, including single varieties, blends and international perries. Skilled perry producers will be on hand to share the art of perry making, tips on looking after an orchard and to share their love of this unique and highly valued drink.

Gin lovers will enjoy the dedicated Gin Garden and the Gin Show, supported by Ludlow Gin, featuring plenty of samples, shopping, live music and, of course, space to relax with a tipple surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the Malvern Hills. Throughout the weekend, a selection of artisan producers will be on hand providing talks about their craft alongside samples of their creations.

This year’s show will once again welcome a host of familiar faces and well-known names to its theatres, with Nikki Chapman, Martin Fish and Jonathan Moseley already confirmed to provide interesting talks and top tips for green fingered visitors.

Jane Edwards, Head of Shows at Three Counties Showground, said: “This year’s Malvern Autumn Show is back with a brand-new look and feel, celebrating one of the best times of the year. We’re delighted to share a packed programme of vibrant seasonal flowers, plants, expert horticulturalists and growers, outstanding local food and drink, plus lots of family fun.”

Tickets for Malvern Autumn Show 2023 cost £20 in advance, with children aged 16 and under free of charge, and are available to book here.

Get 15% off Malvern Autumn Show tickets using code EARLYBIRD15 for a limited time only*. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

*T&Cs

Book before midnight on Sunday 18 July for 15% off advance adult tickets on Friday, Saturday or Sunday of Malvern Autumn Show 2023 with code EARLYBIRD15.

Offer is valid for full price, adult tickets bought in advance only and is not applicable for Three Counties members tickets.

Offer cannot be applied retrospectively.

Booking fees apply.

Action-packed weekend of livestock, food and special guests at Royal Three Counties Show

June 20, 2023

Royal Three Counties Show enjoyed record visitor numbers last weekend, with families journeying from across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond to celebrate the best of the countryside and enjoy thrilling main arena entertainment.

Highlights of the day included daring displays from parachute regiment The Red Devils, the IMPS under 18s motorbike stunt team and the Pony Club Mounted Games as well as the weekend’s many prize-winning animals on their lap of honour in the remarkable Grand Parade of Livestock.

“This weekend we have seen some of the finest livestock in the country across 32 judging rings, an action-packed Main Arena, a busy Food and Drink Festival supporting producers from the Three Counties and nine equine rings buzzing with activity across the three days ”, said Head of Shows Jane Edwards.

“We are proud to bring together all the people, animals and trades that make the Three Counties such a celebrated area of the UK. Everything from livestock and farm machinery to artisan food and family entertainment, is given a well-deserved platform at Royal Three Counties Show and we hope our visitors left each day with a real taste of what the countryside has to offer.”

Elsewhere on the Showground, visitors enjoyed discussing hot topics and rural issues in the all-new Future of Farming Zone where the Theatre featured talks and book signings from special guests Clarkson’s Farm’s Kaleb Cooper, Countryfile presenter and farmer, Adam Henson, JLS member and farmer JB Gill, rugby legend, MasterChef winner and farmer Phil Vickery and industry experts. NFU President, Minette Batters, and DEFRA Minister Trudy Harrison also made an appearance to discuss today’s farming issues.

“The show provides an ideal opportunity to learn more about farming, food, the countryside and the environment. The farming community is at the heart of Royal Three Counties Show and hosting discussions about soil health, net zero, regenerative agriculture and diversification helps farmers to network and share expert knowledge to further the industry.” commented Jane.

“The Future of Farming Zone brought in people looking to get into farming or find out more about agriculture, by hosting familiar farming faces who all helped to raise the profile of this new area.”

Families looking for something new were enthralled by the action at the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS championships and a full programme of rural pursuits in the Countryside Arena. Alongside sheep shearing competitions and a record-number of sheep entries in the Livestock Rings, the Farming Experience section was dedicated to the production of wool and wool-related products.

In the livestock rings, a Gloucestershire breed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watch list took centre stage as a Gloucester heifer and calf, owned by Mr Craig Phillips, was crowned “Champion of Champions” by President of the Three Counties Show Agricultural Society, The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, as is tradition for the President to select their favourite animal from the three days of showing.

“I was delighted to name a Gloucester heifer and calf as my champion of champions on Saturday, with Gloucestershire being the host county for this year. With such an impressive display of livestock at Royal Three Counties Show, including many rare breeds, visitors to the show are able to meet handlers and find out more about the animals, food production and how to ensure these animals will continue to thrive.”

“The Royal Three Counties Show is always a highlight of my calendar, and it has been a delight and privilege to be President this year. From visiting the NFU tent through to the Red Devils’ parachute display, plus the fabulous exhibiting of livestock, sheep shearing and all the many equine events, it was a wonderful weekend. The final awards ceremony with the Young Farmers was a joyful way to end the show.”

Royal Three Counties Show will take place next summer 14-16 June 2024 at Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Three Counties welcomes new CEO to drive forward investment and growth

December 1, 2022

We are pleased to announce that Three Counties Agricultural Society has appointed David Prescott as its new Chief Executive. David will start in January 2023 to take over the running of the society, following the announcement that Ken Nottage will be retiring from the post, after a hugely successful decade at the helm of one of the UK’s most prosperous showground enterprises.

David joins the society after a 27-year career with the Oxford based Bookseller Blackwell’s, where he held a variety of roles across the company from the shop floor to management and regional roles, before becoming Managing Director for Blackwell’s Bookshops in January 2011, and Chief Executive for Blackwell Limited in May 2013. He has also taken an active role in the UK Booksellers Association serving as Chair of the Academic and Professional Bookselling Group and as Vice President of the Association from 2011-17. He is currently a Trustee of the World Book Day Charity.

Ken Nottage commented, “At the heart of Three Counties is a committed and talented group of employees and volunteers, who I am sure will be supportive of David in his new role as CEO. David is strongly placed to lead the society in its future growth plans. In addition to his wide-ranging skills, he has invaluable business management experience which will contribute to the long-term future and success of the business.”

David will be on board at the beginning of the new 2023 shows season, with a full line-up of unmissable events and festivals, kicking off with CountryTastic in April, followed by the prestigious RHS Malvern Spring Festival in May, the annual celebration of food and farming, the Royal Three Counties Show in June and the finale to the year with the UK’s largest Harvest Festival, Malvern Autumn Show in September.

David said, “I’m hugely excited to be taking on the role of Three Counties Chief Executive. I’ve been really impressed with how well the Society is run and I know there’s lots of opportunity to build on what is a really impressive events calendar. Of course, I have some big shoes to fill with Ken having done such a fantastic job, but I know there is a great team here with a very supportive Board and Council, so I can’t wait to get started!”

The Midlands’ leading festive experience agrees new 6-year deal with Three Counties Showground

July 14, 2022

Winter Glow, the Midlands’ largest seasonal attraction, has announced a new six-year agreement with Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Winter Glow will return to Worcestershire this November 2022 with an exciting new mix of festive fun, including a brand new, immersive themed Light Trail. ‘A Christmas Odyssey’ will transport visitors on a journey to save Christmas, from the depths of ancient Atlantis to the fanciful shores of festive islands, adorned with shimmering lights and impressive features. This unique, interactive adventure trail is guaranteed to bring an element of unique festive fun to Malvern this winter.

The popular Personalised Santa Experiences will be relocated for 2022 into an indoor location within the showground, and the annual enhancements don’t stop there. A new covered winter market will be available for everyone to visit (without a ticket), featuring a wide range of stalls selling unique gifts, local crafts and tempting treats, alongside a fairground with fun rides for all ages. Head Elf Jingle has launched his very own Bavarian style bar for visitors to enjoy an authentic tipple or two, or you can warm up with a delicious hot chocolate. Open from 25^th November through to 2^nd January, alongside the much-anticipated return of one of the region’s largest indoor Ice Rinks and the now famous 120ft Malvern Observation Wheel.

With so many seasonal activities to enjoy in this one stop central location, it’s clear to see why Winter Glow and Three Counties Showground have cemented their relationship into the future.

Three Counties Showground CEO, Ken Nottage, commented: “Winter Glow is now a much-loved festive event at Three Counties Showground and the new agreement will ensure that it has a permanent home here for the next 6 years, as it grows and develops its annual Christmas event in Malvern.”

Jingle the Elf, Chief Spokesperson for Winter Glow, added: “As Christmas is a social time for meeting up with friends and family, we have created a whole series of events and experiences to bring everyone together whatever the age…even pampered pooches can join in the fun at our special Dog Friendly sessions!”

Each element of Winter Glow is available to book separately, allowing visitors to tailor their experience to create a unique day out. The Indoor Winter Market is free of charge to enter and pre-booking is not required. Booking is also not required for the fairground, although charges for rides will apply.

For further information about Winter Glow 2022, or to take advantage of the early bird ticket offers, see https://winterglow.co.uk/

THIRD TIME HONOUR FOR LIFELONG THREE COUNTIES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY AMBASSADOR

June 6, 2022

Three Counties Ambassador, Michael Blandford was first elected to the Three Counties Council in 1981, serving as Vice President in 1986 and again in 2007. For 2022 he is honoured to be President, in a season of comeback shows and a busy events calendar, following two years of covid disruption.

Herefordshire born and bred Michael has enjoyed an illustrious voluntary career at Three Counties, having served as Chairman of Council from 2011 undertaking two terms of three years, and during this time he was rewarded with the Three Counties Show being given its auspicious Royal title.

Michael farms over 200ha in the villages of Coddington, Mathon and Colwall, growing cider apples which have won the Bulmers Golden Apple, cereals for seed production as well as beef cattle and sheep. Having travelled the world with Hereford cattle, Michael judged beef cattle at all the major shows in the UK, including the former Royal Smithfield in London and twice at The Royal Show at Stoneleigh, and was President of the Hereford Cattle Society in 1992 having previously represented the Hereford breed at the 1986 World Conference in South Africa.

Michael Blandford commented: “As a longstanding volunteer at Three Counties it is always an honour to meet so many personalities including members of the Royal Family, Secretaries of State and politicians as well as many other inspirational people, who I would otherwise not have encountered. As President I was fortunate enough to meet HRH The Princess Royal at the recent RHS Malvern Spring Festival, a wonderful celebration of gardening and horticulture.”

“My association with the TCAS started over 50 years ago when showing Hereford cattle, and what a surprise – and indeed a great honour – it is to be invited to be President for 2022. Something I’d never expected.”

During his term Michael will represent the Three Counties at a range of activities and continue in his ambassadorial role, as a supporter, friend, and champion of the organisation.

Ken Nottage, CEO of Three Counties said: “Michael Blandford has been a long-term supporter of all the shows and activities that take place at the showground and is a great source of advice and knowledge in helping to guide the organisation through a number of decades and for this we are eternally grateful.”