Thank You for an Unforgettable New Forest Show 2026

The 2026 New Forest & Hampshire County Show brought together three memorable days of agriculture, equestrian sport, countryside traditions, family entertainment, local food and community spirit at New Park, Brockenhurst.

With the action of Horsepower Fury in the East Ring and the skill of our competitors to the hundreds of exhibitors, traders, performers and volunteers who filled the Showground, the 2026 Show was a wonderful celebration of rural life.

More than anything, it was a tremendous team effort. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 New Forest Show such a success.

New experiences around the Showground

Several new and improved areas helped make the 2026 Show particularly memorable.

The new Hobby Horse Ring brought jumping classes and friendly competition to visitors of different ages. The Stirrup & Vine wine bar, named by the public, offered a relaxed place to enjoy a drink while overlooking the Dog Ring.

Families could explore more than 70 activities included with admission. These ranged from crafts, circus skills and live entertainment to mini-tractor driving in the Farm Experience Zone, Forestry England activities, falconry, ferret racing and gun dog demonstrations.

Visitors also enjoyed the Axemen Show, blacksmithing, the Dog Ring, Floral Art, the Art Pavilion, prize-winning vegetables and the Women’s Institute displays. The WI has supported and exhibited at the New Forest Show since its establishment in 1920!

You can discover more about the Show’s many attractions on our What’s On pages

Celebrating agriculture and equestrian excellence

Agriculture and equestrian competition remained at the heart of the 2026 New Forest Show. Across the three days, competitors demonstrated an extraordinary level of skill and dedication in equine, cattle, sheep, vegetable, floral art, honey, blacksmithing and other classes. The presentation of the rings and surrounding areas received especially encouraging feedback. New finger posts, fencing and screening, combined with greater attention to detail throughout the Showground, made a noticeable difference. Thank you to every competitor who entered, prepared an animal, created an exhibit or stepped into a ring. The standard of competition and presentation helped make the Show something truly special.

Local food, drink and independent businesses

Food, drink and shopping once again played an important part in the Show experience. The Food Hall, Local Produce Market and catering areas offered everything from Hampshire produce and artisan treats to international street food. Visitors could also watch talented local chefs sharing ideas and expertise through live demonstrations in the Demo Kitchen.

Tradestands across the Showground introduced visitors to independent businesses, rural organisations, craftspeople, producers and national brands. To every producer, caterer, trader and exhibitor who joined us: thank you. Your variety, creativity and enthusiasm brought colour, flavour and character to every part of the Showground.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors and partners. Their involvement helps us deliver an event that celebrates British agriculture, supports rural communities and connects tens of thousands of people with countryside life. Thank you to every organisation that supported the 2026 Show through sponsorship, advertising, practical assistance or collaboration. We are incredibly grateful for your confidence in the Show and the contribution you made to its success.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities for the 2027 New Forest Show will be available soon.

Thank you to our Stewards and volunteers

Our Stewards and volunteers give their time, knowledge and energy with remarkable generosity. From helping visitors and supporting competitors to overseeing individual sections and keeping the Show moving, their contribution can be seen throughout the Showground. Many work with us long before the gates open and continue supporting the event after the final visitor has gone home. To every Steward and volunteer: thank you. The Show simply could not happen without you.

The team behind the Show

Bringing an event of this scale to life requires months of preparation and an enormous amount of work behind the scenes.

Our grounds team worked tirelessly before, during and after the Show. Their commitment was central to the step up in presentation and quality seen across the site in 2026.

Our office team approached the year with calmness, professionalism and a genuine team spirit. Deadlines were met, challenges were handled and Show days were delivered with care and confidence, making 2026 one of our most operationally successful Shows.

The very warm weather affected attendance, but trading remained strong and feedback from visitors, exhibitors and competitors was extremely positive.

To everyone who worked behind the scenes – whether for months, weeks, days or hours – thank you for giving so much to the Show.

Thank you for being part of the New Forest Show

To everyone who exhibited, competed, performed, traded, volunteered, sponsored, stewarded, worked behind the scenes or came along to enjoy the Show: thank you for making 2026 such a memorable year. The New Forest Show has grown from a small, one-day agricultural event held in 1920 into one of the South of England’s best-loved celebrations of farming and rural life. That success belongs to the community of people who return, contribute and support us year after year. We are immensely proud of what we achieved together in 2026.

When is the New Forest Show 2027?

The next New Forest & Hampshire County Show will take place on:

Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th July 2027

The Show will return to New Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Please save the dates and join our mailing list to receive ticket, membership, competition and programme announcements.

We cannot wait to welcome you back in 2027!


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