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Hoburne Explorer Home Events Out & About New Forest

New Forest & Hampshire County Show

30, 31 July & 1 August

Taking place at the end of each July, the New Forest Show has been held for almost 100 years. The three-day event celebrates local culture and brings people from far and wide to Brockenhurst, often referred to as ‘the heart of the New Forest’.

But just what can you expect from this much-loved county show?

Since the show is a celebration of all things ‘foresty’, there are a few weird and wonderful traditions that you may want to be aware of. For example, have you ever seen a tractor tug of war? That’s right. Visitors take the strain and test their strength against a vintage tractor… The more the crowd shouts, the more difficult it gets!

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Farming is a key part of life in the forest, so you can expect to see everything from sheep to Shetland ponies in the main arena. Top horse riders from up and down the country will be competing in show jumping and proud farmers will be showcasing their livestock. Local activity farm, Longdown will also be there with a pop-up farm where you can hold chicks, rabbits and more.

For something a bit more exuberant, be sure to see The Adams Axemen who were founded in the New Forest in 1966. The group helped introduce competitive axe racing to Britain, with the aim of keeping the old skills used by Foresters alive as a riveting new sport.

If you have children in tow, then the family fun area is where you’ll want to be. With all-day entertainment including circus workshops, face painting, sport and craft activities taking place, you won’t run out of things to do. You could even gather up the family and learn how to cook up some tasty new treats with a workshop run by Fun Kitchen.

Speaking of tasty treats, you’ll be spoilt for choice of food and drink. The show is home to produce from local butchers, beekeepers and brewers to name just a few. In the food hall you will find everything from cream tea to curry with around 40 stalls to choose from. Alternatively, take a blanket and choose a spot in the picnic area to soak up the summer sun.

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Handmade goods are a given in the craft tents. If you’ve got birthdays to buy for then it’ll be the perfect place to find something truly unique. Whether it’s jewellery or jumpers, there is always a fantastic selection of local talent to be discovered.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a county show without a gardening display, and this one is paradise. If you’ve got green fingers, then you won’t want to miss out on seeing the wonderful floral arrangements. You might even learn a trick or two at one of the many live demonstrations.

With so much to see and do at this fantastic festival, you could easily spend a few days there. Why not stay with us at Hoburne Bashley, just a few miles down the road? We’ll also be at the show ready and waiting to tell you about our great parks, so don’t be shy… come and say hello!

Now, rumour has it that the New Forest Show can turn even the toughest townie into a country bumpkin... So watch out, or you might not want to go home!

Find out more about the show here.

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