Summer in the New Forest means one thing to us: the Show is coming. And with the 98th New Forest and Hampshire County Show just weeks away, we wanted to share everything you need to know before you head to Brockenhurst on 28, 29 or 30 July 2026.
Whether you’re a lifelong Show-goer or bringing the kids for the very first time, 2026 is shaping up to be another brilliant year. There’s the familiar stuff you know and love – the Grand Parade, livestock, mouth-watering local produce – plus some exciting new additions that we think you’re going to enjoy!
The Headline Act You Won’t Want to Miss
Every year the Show brings something to stop you in your tracks, and 2026 is no different. Horsepower Fury is this year’s headline stunt spectacular, and it’s taking over the Happy Hot Tubs East Ring for what promises to be an absolute showstopper.
Think roaring engines, fire, daring motorbike stunts and breathtaking action on horseback – all rolled into one high-energy performance designed to get pulses racing and jaws dropping.

All Your Show Favourites Are Back
Alongside the headline act, all the traditional highlights that make the New Forest Show so special are returning in 2026. These are the things that keep people coming back year after year – and for good reason.
Heavy Horse Musical Drive
Always a crowd-pleaser. These magnificent animals parading to music is genuinely moving to watch.
Old Time Farming Parade
A nostalgic nod to agricultural heritage, with vintage machinery and a real sense of the rural past brought to life.
Grand Parade of Livestock
Award-winning cattle, sheep and more parading at their absolute finest. The photography opportunities alone make it worth the trip.
Tug of War
Proper, wholesome Showground fun. Get little ones in the ring, cheer your lungs out.
And of course, the equestrian competitions remain at the heart of everything. With more than 2,000 horses and riders competing across a huge range of classes.

Brilliant Days Out for Families
Worried about keeping the kids (and yourself) entertained? Don’t be. The Showground is packed with things to do across all three days, and 2026 has some particularly good additions for families.
The Heavy Horse Village is always a hit – meeting these gentle giants up close is something children absolutely love, and it’s easy to spend longer there than you planned. There’s also fly fishing to try your hand at!

The big family story for 2026 is the upgraded Farming Experience Zone. This year’s theme is “What British Farmers Grow – From Soil to Supper”, and it’s a fantastic hands-on journey through how our food actually gets from field to fork. The interactive activities are engaging for all ages, not just little ones, and it’s the kind of thing that sparks brilliant conversations on the drive home.

Food, Drink & Local Flavour
This is one of those days where you should absolutely arrive hungry. The Local Produce Area is a highlight, bringing together some of the best food, drink and artisan products from across Hampshire and the New Forest. Think local honey, handmade cheeses, Hampshire spirits and so much more.

Live cookery demonstrations will be running throughout, celebrating the incredible flavours of the region. It’s worth checking the schedule and making sure you catch at least one – they’re always entertaining!

And then there’s the big new arrival on the drinks front…
What’s New in 2026 NEW
The Stirrup & Vine Wine Bar
Named by the public in a competition, The Stirrup & Vine is the Show’s brand-new wine bar, positioned with views over the Dog Ring. We love this one – it’s the perfect spot to take a moment, watch the action, and enjoy a glass of something good.

The Hobby Horse Ring
Also making its debut in 2026 is the Hobby Horse Ring, with themed challenges and friendly competitions for hobby horse enthusiasts. More details are coming soon, but we’re already excited. Hobby horsing has built a passionate and enthusiastic following in recent years, and it’s fantastic to see it given its own dedicated space at the Show.
“It’s always a highlight of the year bringing the Show back to Brockenhurst, and 2026 is shaping up to be another brilliant event. We’re especially excited about the introduction of Horsepower Fury, The Stirrup & Vine wine bar and the Hobby Horse Ring, alongside the upgraded Farming Experience Zone and all the traditional favourites visitors know and love.”— DENIS DOOLEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NEW FOREST AGRICULTURAL SHOW SOCIETY
Your Questions, Answered
The Show runs across three days: Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July 2026, at the Showground in Brockenhurst, Hampshire.
Early bird tickets are Adults £25, Children £6.00, and Family £54. Early bird pricing ends 12 July 2026 — book before then to get the best price and skip the ticket booth queues on the day.
Tickets are on sale now at newforestshow.co.uk. Booking online is strongly recommended — it’s cheaper and means no queuing at the gate.
Horsepower Fury is the headline stunt show for 2026 – a high-energy performance featuring motorbike stunts, fire and action on horseback, taking place in the Happy Hot Tubs East Ring.
Absolutely. The Show has been welcoming families for almost a century and is designed to be enjoyed by all ages. The Farming Experience Zone, Heavy Horse Village, Horsepower Fury and the new Hobby Horse Ring all make for a fantastic family day out.
The Stirrup & Vine is a brand-new wine bar at the 2026 Show, overlooking the Dog Ring. The name was chosen by the public in a competition — a lovely community touch.
Got Your Ticket?
Early bird prices end 12 July 2026 — don’t leave it too late.
Early bird prices valid until 12 July 2026

