The countdown is on for the return of the Royal Bath & West Show. Taking place from 28–30 May 2026, the show will once again bring together farmers, competitors and visitors for three days showcasing the very best of British agriculture, food and rural life.

Tickets are now on sale, with discounted rates until May 27. Camping is also available, giving visitors the chance to stay on site and enjoy the full show experience, including evening entertainment and live music.

A wide variety of competition categories are either now open or opening soon (see box for closing dates).

Livestock

Livestock competitions are the heart of the Royal Bath & West Show, with entries now open for all stock classes. In the cattle rings, exhibitors will showcase leading genetics, stockmanship and production across the beef and dairy breeds, reinforcing the show's reputation as an unmissable date in the livestock calendar. Top class sheep and pigs will also be competing for the judge's eye in their breed and interbreed classes.

Sheep shearing entries open in March and will once again bring fast-paced, high-skill competition to the showground.

"Livestock has always been a cornerstone of the show," says head of events, Emily Timney. "These competitions are a real celebration of the dedication and expertise within the industry, while also providing a wonderful shop window connecting farming and the general public."

The popular bees and honey show returns, with entries now open, celebrating the quality and diversity of British beekeeping, alongside the ever-competitive egg classes.

These sections continue to attract both experienced exhibitors and new entrants, highlighting traditional rural skills and produce.

Equine

A firm favourite with visitors, the equine rings combine skill, speed and horsemanship, drawing competitors from across the country. As well as fast-paced pony club games, there will be heavy horses, carriage driving, and Showing classes.

Showjumping entries open mid-March, promising three days of exciting competition and top-level sport, with £12,350 in prize money up for grabs.

Competitors in the showing classes will once again have the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), with 32 qualifiers set to feature across the programme. These include veteran horse, ridden coloured, show hunter pony, miniature horse, ridden hunter, Mountain & Moorland ridden and shire horse classes.

Rural life  

The popular bees and honey show returns, with entries now open, celebrating the quality and diversity of British beekeeping, alongside the ever-competitive egg classes.

These sections continue to attract both experienced exhibitors and new entrants, highlighting traditional rural skills and produce, while the farriery section highlights craftsmanship and precision through its shoeing classes.

The cider, perry and apple juice competition will once again see entries judged by a panel of expert judges and industry professionals.

Arts and horticulture

For those with quieter occupations, entries are now open for the show's art and floral art competitions, which continue to showcase creativity, colour and craftsmanship. From fine art to floral design, there are classes to suit a wide range of styles and abilities.

"The arts and horticulture sections bring a completely different dimension to the show," says Ms Timney. "It's always inspiring to see the creativity and detail that goes into every entry."

·       Enter competitions at:  www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-west-show/competitions

·       Book tickets here https://www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-west-show/visitors/tickets

The Royal Bath & West Show will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN, from 28–30 May.

Box: Competition closing dates for entries