Country and agricultural shows bring late summer colour, competition and fun to communities across Derbyshire. Fiona Stubbs highlights some of the oldest and best-loved fixtures in the rural calendar
They’re now eagerly awaited annual events, celebrating rural life, farming and local communities.
But Derbyshire’s agricultural shows had a more serious start – beginning in the early 19th century as a response to the post-Napoleonic depression. Designed to help local farmers improve breeding and crop yields, the earliest shows were formed to lobby for protective agricultural tariffs and to showcase championship livestock.
The Scarsdale and High Peak Agricultural Society was formed in 1819, becoming the precursor to the Bakewell Show. The first show was held in Chesterfield in July 1819.
Initially a way for landowners to share breeding advancements and farming machinery, later events were opened up to tenant farmers and the wider rural community.
Today, shows across the county combine traditional livestock and heavy horse judging with vintage tractor displays, local craft tents, food, drink and family entertainment.
Which ones will you visit?
Manifold Valley Agricultural Show
Tucked into one of the loveliest valleys the Peak District has to offer – on the south western edge of the National Park – the Manifold Valley Show reaches its 46th year in 2026. It wears its localness with pride, with many of the livestock and produce classes reserved for exhibitors from the surrounding parishes.
Expect heavy horses and a full horse and pony programme, Chase me Charlie jumping plus cattle, sheep and dog events. There is a slow tractor race for those who like their motorsport unhurried and tents brimming with arts, crafts and home produce. A licensed bar and local food producers promise to keep everyone fed and watered.
When: Saturday 8th August, 9am to 5pm Where: The Arbour, Ilam Moor Lane, Ilam DE6 2BA Tickets: on the gate, adults £10, U16s £5, U5s free. Learn more: https://manifoldvalleyshow.co.uk/visitor-information/
Ashover Show
Midweek and mighty, Ashover Show proves that you do not need a weekend to draw a crowd. The Ashover Agricultural and Horticultural Society in its present form can trace its origins back to 1924 when farmers and eminent locals met to resurrect the small village shows and ploughing matches that had been held in Ashover and Kelstedge until they were interrupted by the First World War. Some of those were recorded back into the 1880s.
Now attracting crowds of around 16,000, Ashover Show is recognised as one of the most popular agricultural shows in the country.
Highlights include the Grand Parade of Livestock and a traditional tug of war between local teams. Around them you will find heavy and light horses, vintage tractors, a horticultural marquee, a craft marquee showcasing local makers and the Appetising Ashover food hall.
When: Wednesday 12th August, gates open to the public at 9am. Show closes at dusk. Where: Rectory Fields, Ashover S45 0BA. Tickets: on the gate, adult £15, child (5 to 15) £5, U5s – free. Learn more: https://ashovershow.co.uk/ / enquiries@ashovershow.co.uk
Ashbourne Show
Home of the gentle giants. If it is shire horses you are after, Ashbourne is the show for you. Run by the Ashbourne Shire Horse Society and dating back to 1881, it keeps alive the county’s link with the great working horses that once powered its farms.
Alongside the shires there are cattle, sheep, goat and light horse classes, some 150 trade stands, a well-stocked crafts tent and a food hall, plus enough ring entertainment to fill a long summer’s day. It is an easy, family-friendly show that regularly welcomes around 12,000 people through the gate.
When: Saturday 15th August, 9am to 5pm. Where: The Polo Ground, Osmaston, Ashbourne DE6 1LW. Tickets: Adult £20, children (5 to15) £5. Learn more: https://ashbourneshow.co.uk / 01889 507497.
Woolley Moor Show
The village show with a big heart. Woolley Moor began life in 1911 following King George V coronation celebrations. With 13/10d left over from the village celebration funds, someone suggested: “Let’s have a show!”
Originally a small agricultural and horticultural exhibition featuring 17 vegetable classes and one bread class, it has evolved into a major Derbyshire tradition.
This year’s bill includes an aerobatic display by Tom Cassells; a falconry display; fairground rides and children’s activities; vintage cars, bikes, engines and tractors; a fun dog show; alpacas; beer tent, gin bar, food and refreshments; show tents; a craft tent and music from Ashover Brass Band.
When: Saturday 15th August, gates open 11:45am. Where: Jubilee Playing Field, Woolley Moor DE55 6FG. Tickets: on the day, adults £8, OAP £6, children (5 to 17) £6, U5s free. Learn more: https://www.woolleymoorshow.com/
Froggatt Show
Celebrating its 80th year, Froggatt Show is a traditional country fair, hosted by the Froggatt and District Horticultural Society.
Charming visitors with its classic displays of flowers, fruit and vegetables, the show also includes a fun dog show; support dog demonstration; children’s fancy dress; raffle and auction of produce.
Located on the eastern bank of the River Derwent in the Derwent Valley, the village borders the Hope Valley and sits beneath the dramatic gritstone escarpment, Froggatt Edge.
When: Saturday 29th August, 2pm to 5.15pm. Where: Stoke Lane, Froggatt S32 3XZ. Tickets: on the day, adults £5, children free. Learn more: https://froggattshow.org/
Derbyshire Flower & Garden Show
New for 2026. The freshest addition to the calendar is a celebration of gardens and growing, bringing a full weekend of horticulture to Bakewell Showground.
Organisers have lined up a cast of familiar faces, with garden designer Adam Frost, television favourite Charlie Dimmock, florist Jonathan Moseley and social media’s “Bearded Plantaholic” Jonny Balchandani all due to appear.
Visitors can expect show gardens, floral and vegetable competitions, specialist plant nurseries, live demonstrations and talks, arts and crafts, an artisan food marquee, live music and family activities.
When: Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August. Where: Bakewell Showground DE45 1AH. Tickets: see website. Learn more: https://derbyshireflowerandgardenshow.co.uk/
Hope Show
The August finale. Cradled by the hills of the Hope Valley, Hope Show is one of the major summer events in Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Held every August Bank Holiday Monday – with Sheep Dog trials lasting into Tuesday – it’s an opportunity for those who enjoy farming and the countryside to meet and celebrate the year.
The show includes a wide range of displays, classes and competitions including the sheepdog trials, show jumping, heavy and light horses, cattle and sheep, gundogs, vintage cars, tractors and engines, horticulture and crafts.
There’s lots for children to see and do and local food stalls serving refreshments.
When: Bank Holiday Monday 31st August, gates open 9am. Sheepdog trials continue into Tuesday 1st September. Where: Marsh Farm, Castleton Road, Hope S33 8RZ. Tickets: family (2 adults, 2 children) £30, adult £13, children (5 to 15) £6. Learn more: https://hopeshow.co.uk/
Chatsworth Country Fair
One of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, held in the parkland surrounding Chatsworth House, this three-day event is a celebration of traditional rural life, country pursuits and family entertainment.
Features include Grand Ring entertainment, cookery masterclasses, food, shopping village, vintage funfair, children’s climbing wall, country pursuits and have-a-go activities.
When: Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September. Where: Chatsworth DE45 1PN. Tickets: see website. Learn more: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-country-fair/