The WI Tent is a place full of creativity, colour and community. With around 500 craft and cookery entries and a team of over 130 volunteers, it’s a true labour of love.

This year’s theme is ‘Wonderfully Wild’, and visitors can expect everything from wild weather photography to picnic bakes, lavender biscuits, and a special collaborative project supporting the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Southampton.

To give you a real feel for the heart of the tent, here’s a note from Pauline Slade, Chair of the WI Tent Committee:

Twenty-two years ago I arrived in the New Forest, from living abroad, not knowing the area and not knowing anyone.  Someone suggested I joined the local WI and I have never looked back.

Hampshire has 187 branches of Women’s Institutes (19 of which are taking part in the Show this year), providing friendship and sharing of interest through meetings, crafts, trips, events – all decided by each WI.  We have a marquee at the Show each year and a full schedule of 13 varied classes of crafts and cookery (one class is judged by the public).  Twelve judges arrive the day before the opening of the Show and spend at least four hours judging – this year we have around 500 exhibits.

There is always a Sales Table to be visited, which is very popular.  Clothes, toys, crafts, marmalade and jams made by the members are sold there – every article unique.  We also work with the Hampshire Federation of WIs – they too sell craft material and send their Advisors to talk to anyone in the public wishing information about the WI.

I have a wonderfully supportive committee of 11; we work so well as a team – and around 130 stewards plus guests and volunteers to help us set up, to help during the Show, by looking after and explaining about the exhibits and then to clear away on the Thursday, the final day.

Each year we pick a specific theme – this year it is ‘Wonderfully Wild’.  The classes range from lavender biscuits, fruit chutney, campsite picnic (which involves three food products), a wild mask, wild weather photography and an art project ‘Wild Women’!!  We are very proud of one special class – each year we support a charity and this summer it is the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) at Southampton.  So far, the members have made 71 quilts to be judged and then to go to the hospital for the young babies and children there.

We always have a very bright, busy tent, full of fun.  There are often around 9,000 visitors who come in to see us and we look forward to giving them all a very warm welcome.  An exhausting but fulfilling time, much enjoyed by us all. 

Pauline Slade

Chairman, New Forest Show WI Tent Committee

Don’t Miss It – Plan Your Visit

From traditional bakes to art, the WI Tent brings together the best of community spirit and creativity. Stop by during the Show to explore the exhibits, meet the volunteers, and enjoy everything the WI has to offer.

Buy your tickets today and enjoy the full line-up of activities, live demos and performances at this year’s Show. To find out what else is happening across the Showground, head over to our What’s On page or read some of our latest articles!