Farming is for all say organisers as Kenilworth Show expands community line-up

Coventry and Warwickshire’s largest agricultural show has expanded its exhibitor line-up to bring more communities close to the world of farming and nature.

The Kenilworth Show will welcome more community organisations than ever before in its 76-year history when it returns to the Warwickshire countryside on Saturday, June 3, with a number of new groups attending for the first time.

The Langdale Trust, which runs Spencer’s Retreat, a six-acre recuperation farm in Berkswell, will be hosting sensory activities to create a calm space for visitors with SEND and show how nature and the outdoors can support good wellbeing.

The farm provides an inclusive space for families with children with SEND and those experiencing mental health difficulties.

The Women’s Institute will make an appearance at the show for the first time, and will be selling refreshments including tea, coffee and cakes, as well as speaking to visitors about the numerous opportunities within the WI to make new friends and learn a variety of new skills through their wide range programme of events.

Sue Ensor of the Warwickshire Federation of Women‘s Institutes said: “We are delighted be asked to provide tea and cakes at the Kenilworth Show this year. We are looking forward to being able to promote the WI in Warwickshire and to contribute to the success Kenilworth Show.

“Although originally set up to help the women in rural communities, the WI, as the largest women’s charitable organisation in the England, Wales and the Islands, continues to move forward with strong links in both rural and urban locations.”

Warwickshire Young Farmers Club will also have an increased presence at this year’s show, with the group continuing to grow in popularity.

Ten young farmers clubs from across the county, including Kenilworth, will be talking to visitors about how to get involved with their local club as well as upcoming activities and events.

Members will also host a ‘Build It, Race It’ soapbox competition, with entries on display before being raced in the main ring in front of the thousands of visitors expected on the day.

Kate Morris of the Langdale Trust said: “We are looking forward to meeting plenty of people at the Kenilworth Show to talk to them about the work we do, as well as offering a quiet space to unwind on the day.

“It’s a chance to highlight the benefits of using nature and the outdoors to support a range of needs, and we hope to bring the essence of our retreat to the showgrounds for the public to enjoy.”

Charlie Beaty of Warwickshire Young Farmers Club said: “Our stand will highlight the young farmer’s motto that you don’t have to be a farmer to be a young farmer.

“We have many members within Warwickshire who are not from farming backgrounds, and we are looking forward to meeting many more young people at the Kenilworth Show this year to talk about all the fantastic opportunities being a young farmer has to offer.”

In addition to a wide range of exhibitors from across Warwickshire and beyond, the show is also being supported by a number of voluntary organisations, while tickets for under-16s can be booked for free.

Warwickshire Search & Rescue will once again support with car parking, with Air Cadets also providing support across the showgrounds, while a Warwickshire scout group will be raising funds for their jamboree.

Charlie Weetman, Director of the Kenilworth Show, said: “We are thrilled to see such a wide range of organisations joining us at this year’s Kenilworth Show in our bid to show that the farming and agriculture community is for everyone.

“There is always something to explore around every corner throughout the showgrounds and this year will be no different, but it’s always a privilege to welcome new exhibitors and communities on a special day for the region’s farming community.”

For more information and tickets visit www.kenilworthshow.co.uk