NEW DATE & NEW SHOWGROUND FOR 2026!
Bowes Show is heading into summer, with the Show Committee pleased to announce that this year’s event will take place on Saturday 15th August.
The show has traditionally taken place in September and as many will appreciate, the September weather in Bowes can be unpredictable. In recent years this has brought challenges for everyone involved – from difficult ground conditions to reduced visitor numbers. September also coincides with many key sheep sales across the region, meaning some farming exhibitors have been unable to attend or bring their best stock due to sale commitments.
By moving the show to August, the Show Committee hopes to enjoy more settled summer weather, welcome families and visitors during the school holidays, and ensure farming communities are freer from autumn pressures – creating a better experience all round.
A new showground
Bowes Show is also set to enjoy a fresh new setting this year, with an exciting move to a more accessible new showground on the outskirts of Bowes village.
The previous showground at Holme Farm has provided a beautiful backdrop for the show for many years. However, as the show has continued to grow, access via single-track roads and the one-way system has stifled further expansion and raised increasing safety concerns.
To support the future growth of the show and improve safety and accessibility, a new site on the outskirts of Bowes village has been kindly offered by the Close family, and will host this year’s Bowes Show. It is hoped that the new location will provide a more welcoming, easier access for everyone, including exhibitors, trade stands and visitors alike.
Bowes Agricultural Society and the Show Committee would like to extend their sincere thanks to Mrs Jo Guy, the late Gilbert Guy, and Mr Malcolm Wood for their generosity in allowing the use of the fields at Holme Farm over the past 28 years.
With plenty of exciting attractions planned for show day, the Society is looking forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors and traders – both old friends and new – to a new-look Bowes Show this summer.
Welcome to Bowes Agricultural Show
Join us on for a traditional celebration of rural life at Bowes Agricultural Show.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Pennines, just outside the historic village of Bowes, our show is a proud part of Dales heritage. Expect a full day of countryside fun with livestock classes, horse and pony competitions, horticultural displays, handicrafts, and more.
Enjoy a walk down memory lane with our vintage tractors, bring along your four-legged friend for the fun dog show, and soak up the atmosphere of a true rural gathering.
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ABOUT US
Established in 1869, Bowes Show is a traditional rural agricultural show, run by a committee of volunteers, showcasing the heritage and key aspects of local farming life in Teesdale and the wider Durham Dales.
Bowes Show provides a wonderful opportunity for a family day out in the beautiful rural setting overlooking the historic Bowes Castle. It is a chance for the local community to come together to socialise, show and maintain traditional rural breeds of livestock and traditions of the area.
A great family day out with lots to see and do; main ring attractions, a craft and farmers market marquee, refreshments, trade stands and also classes to enter on the day for our four-legged friends!
For a relatively small rural show we have a vast array of showing classes for different breeds of cows, sheep and horses and it’s a great opportunity to see the animals up close. The industrial marquee, which is one of the most impressive of the local shows in the number and variety of entries, contains a wealth of skills in baking, flower arranging, handicrafts and photography and is key to encouraging the next generation through the children’s classes!
ADMISSION CHARGES
Adults £8
Child £2
Children Under 5's FREE
Car Park FREE
FIND US
Bowes Agricultural Show
The Parks
Holme Farm
Gilmonby
Bowes
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 9LX
OPENING TIMES:
Field opens to exhibitors: 7.30am
Field opens to public: 8.50am
Marquee opens for visitors: 1.00pm