The Royal Norfolk Show, the UK’s largest two-day agricultural event, is a celebration of food, farming and innovation. Each year it attracts 80,000 visitors, including 15,000 schoolchildren from across the region, offering a unique platform to showcase cutting-edge advancements in science, technology and agriculture. With over 700 trade stands, 3,000 animals and Norfolk’s largest food and drink showcase, the Show is packed with engaging activities for all ages.
The Royal Norfolk Show is the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s (RNAA) primary fundraising event to deliver its charitable objectives supporting and promoting food production, farming and the countryside in Norfolk.
RNAA Chief Executive Officer Mark Nicholas said: “The Royal Norfolk Show has always been a celebration of the very best our county has to offer. In 2026, our theme of Culture & Collaboration reflects the power of people working together across generations, sectors and communities. We are proud of Norfolk’s traditions and we are equally excited about its future. This year’s Show will demonstrate how partnership, innovation and shared ambition can shape a thriving countryside for years to come.”
The Royal Norfolk Show has long been a cornerstone of the county calendar, bringing together families, businesses, farmers, educators and visitors from across the region and beyond.
To make this year’s Show as accessible as possible, car parking is free.
The RNAA have announced that the Show’s theme is Celebrating Culture & Collaboration.
The RNAA have announced that the Show’s theme is Celebrating Culture & Collaboration.
Taking place over two unforgettable days at Norfolk Showground, this year’s Show will spotlight the strength that comes from bringing communities and people together.
In 2026, the Show celebrates Culture & Collaboration, a theme that brings together Norfolk’s deep-rooted traditions with the fresh energy of innovation and partnership. Visitors will experience the very best of local food and drink, livestock and equestrian excellence, vibrant performances, rural enterprise and cutting-edge advancements helping to shape the future of our region and beyond. Cultural groups from across Norfolk have been invited to attend the Show – supporting our Norfolk Together initiative.
Across the Showground Culture & Collaboration will be at the heart of the programme:
Carnival of Cultures – the Carnival of Cultures will be the biggest carnival procession ever staged at the Show. Local performing arts groups including African Choir of Norfolk, Norwich Cuban Salsa, Fine City Samba, International Drummers, Rosy May, Kenninghall Morris, Norwich Pageantry Group, The Garage and hundreds of school children will make their way to the Grand Ring to perform Umoja meaning togetherness, written by Addictive TV from their Orchestra of Samples project. The procession will take place on both days of the Show (Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June 2026), travelling through the showground and culminating in the Grand Ring at the heart of the Show, in a vibrant, colourful and joyous finale.
Umoja – meaning togetherness is the Show’s first ever theme tune. Written by Addictive TV from their Orchestra of Samples project with vocals by Obase-Aboli music-preneur and Anna Mudeka artist. The project involved recording and filming over 300 musicians in various countries—including Brazil, Senegal, India, China and Kazakhstan, improvising on traditional, rare or unique instruments. Adopted as the Royal Norfolk Show theme tune 2026 it can be heard here: https://youtu.be/MJvXe_xUa74 (credits to Addictive TV and the Orchestra of Samples project).
Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer – with activity across the Show highlighting the vital work women in agriculture provide in the industry. We shine the spotlight on Norfolk’s amazing women farmers making a difference in agriculture.
International Agro Challenge – hosting on behalf of the UK and in partnership with Easton College, Agro-Challenge 2026 will be taking place at this year’s Show. With 18 teams from across Europe competing in a variety of physical and mentally challenging activities from sheep shearing to beer barrel racing.
Education and learning is a key objective for the Show and expected numbers of over 15,000 young people from 160 schools and colleges across the region as well as those educated at home are set to join this year’s Show. Highlights include:
Discovery Zone -operated by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust will be educating visitors about Norfolk’s connection to Mint & Mustard, two crops at the heart of Norfolk’s agricultural story. Grown by farmers working together in co-operative groups, they are a powerful example of collaboration in action. Explore how mint and mustard are sown, grown and harvested, then follow their journey from field to food. Discover how these bold, flavour-filled crops have shaped Norfolk’s cultural identity and how today’s farmers continue to innovate, adapt and work together to meet modern challenges.
STEMM Village – uncovers Hidden Worlds: From Microbes to Megawatts with a new interactive and immersive ‘Microbe Zoo’. The Microbe Zoo recently displayed at the Norwich Science Festival, consists of large-scale models through which show goers will be taken on a guided tour by scientists working at Norwich Research Park, where they will learn all about the role that microbes play in our world by visiting some of the habitats they live in. There will also be interactive games to play, soundscapes and videos to watch. Through interactive exhibits and inspiring demonstrations, see how STEMM connects food, farming, health, energy and innovation.
Entertaining visitors will be centre stage with a Grand Ring programme packed with family displays and competitions; live music performances; a carnival showcasing Norfolk’s diverse performing arts groups and hundreds of equestrian and livestock competitions.
The programme of live entertainment and attractions includes:
Live Music Stages – the Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub organizes five stages of live performances at the Show, showcasing young local talent from schools and bands. Stages include a School Stage, Bandstand, Acoustic Stage and contemporary New Noise Stage.
Grand Ring – This programme of entertainment is sure to wow the crowds. In addition to grand old favourites such as Heavy Horse turnouts and the Grand Parade of Shire Horses and Cattle, plus RAF Falcons Parachute display team, stands debut appearances by the Marching Band of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and jousting by the Knights of Middle England as well as the much loved parade of veterans and emergency service personnel. Also joining us in addition to the City of Norwich Pipe Band are the Glenmoriston Pipe Band (Suffolk) and the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band (Chelmsford) for a pipes and drums special!
Adnams ‘Beach Eats’ zone – Adnams Beach Eats offers a laid-back coastal retreat right in the heart of the Norfolk Showground, inviting visitors to unwind, recharge and soak up a true seaside atmosphere. Located next to the Agriculture in Action Arena, it features the popular Adnams bars serving beers, wines and spirits alongside local seaside food vendors.
Countryside Ring – Sovereign Quarter Horses join the line-up of working dogs, falconry, Prison and Probation dogs display, dog and sheep show, the ever-popular pig racing and so much more.
Evening entertainment – enjoy the Show long into the evening with live music at the Vice Presidents’ and Members’ Pavilion (for those with a VP/Members pass) or at the Woodforde’s bar at Jubilee Square.
40 HOYS inc New Veteran Class – the Show offers 40 qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). This now includes a newly added Veteran class for older horses and ponies. Veteran classes are typically split by age (15+, 20+, 25+) and are judged like standard showing classes. Top competitors in these classes can qualify for the HOYS finals, one of the UK’s most prestigious equestrian events.
National Breed Society Shows – in addition to hundreds of showing classes for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs we are delighted to host the Belted Galloway, Beef Shorthorn and British Simmentals national shows drawing competitors from across the UK.
Military Village – The military will be installing a water tank with professional divers, who will be playing noughts and crosses with the public across the two Show days.
Top Field Light Railway – Whitwell & Reepham Engineering Club – will be operating a 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature ride railway for Steam Engine Rides, located next to the Fairground on the east of the site.
Best in Style – The Show Edition – Returns for 2026. Throughout both days of the Show, style spotters Kate and Paula from The Style Duo will be on the move — mingling with the crowd, spotting standout outfits and talking all things fashion. If you’re rocking a look that turns heads, don’t be surprised if you get tapped on the shoulder and personally invited to take part in our Best in Style – the Show Edition competition!
The Show is Norfolk’s Food and Drink Showcase spectacular.
As ever, the Royal Norfolk Show offers the best in local food and drink produce. Visitors will be spoilt for choice:
Food & Drink experience – showcases over 100 artisan food and drink producers under one roof, many from across the East Anglian Region. Taste, sample and compare the very best of regional produce.
Norfolk Food Hall – located adjacent to the Show, visitors can explore Norfolk’s newest large-scale farm shop and restaurant which will be providing a booking service for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Further details at: https://norfolkfoodhall.co.uk/
Food Courts – located across the Showground site visit our 8 food courts for refreshment as you enjoy touring the Show.
Explore 700 trade stands – from multiple business sectors including retail, professional services, agriculture, agriculture machinery and supporting services, motor and marine, crafts, outdoor living, health and wellbeing, country pursuits, equestrian and many more.
Norfolk Business Zone – the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is pitching up again with the Business Zone. Whether you’re a start-up, SME or industry leader, this is your chance to exhibit at the must-attend destination for organisations looking to connect, collaborate and grow. The Zone will host more than 40 exhibitors, offering a cost-effective solution for any business wanting to be part of the prestigious Royal Norfolk Show in 2026.
Innovation Hub – a new look Innovation Hub delivered by Connected Innovation will showcase innovative research and development underway across UEA, Norwich Research Park and Hethel Innovation.
Norfolk Rural Business Awards – returns to the Royal Norfolk Show to showcase a wide range of businesses, community groups and people that help to make up Norfolk’s thriving economy. New for this year is the Best Woman in Agriculture category.
Celebrating Important Milestones
Norfolk Farm Machinery Club (NORMAC) 80th Anniversary – celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of supporting agricultural education and machinery innovation in Norfolk. As part of the celebration NORMAC will be demonstrating a wide range of machinery from the last 80 years, to highlight the advancements in agricultural machinery in the afternoon on both show days.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust Celebrates 100 years – the Wildlife Trust are marking a major milestone in 2026, celebrating 100 years since the founding of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the first trust in what would become a nationwide conservation movement. Be sure to visit their stand at the Show.
For Press and Media organisations
Applications for a press pass at the Royal Norfolk Show are open.
For a press pass and all media enquiries please contact: tracey.spelman@rnaa.org.uk
For further information, ticket details and programme updates, visit the official Royal Norfolk Show website www.royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
