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.