Despite a typically 2024 grey and chilly spring morning, Dorset clearly decided today was finally a day for fun. Kingston Maurward was busy early as the crowds swiftly gathered to enjoy the county’s first rural show of the year – by lunchtime the main car parks for the very first Dorset Spring Show were full, the overflow car parks were … overflowing, and traffic was backed up on the approach roads to the show.
Heading up the team behind the county’s newest event is Dorset County Show Organiser James Cox, who was thrilled with the turnout: ‘With a brand new show there’s always an element of risk, and of course the weather has not been kind so far this year. But we were confident the show would be great – and the whole team is pleased and grateful so many members of the public agreed! It’s been a fantastic first day.’
The show was spread around the grounds of Kingston Maurward House, a combination of craft and trade tents, big ring entertainment, and have-a-go fun. James says: ‘It’s ended up being a brilliant spring get-together for the county. Whether you want to indulge in delicious Dorset foods, purchase local artisan goods, enjoy watching extreme sport, meet a lamb or watch local craftspeople, Dorset Spring Show has it!’
With an emphasis on everything food, farming and flowers, you can watch live demonstrations of beekeeping, falconry and baking. Have a go with Great Pottery Throw Down finalist (and Weymouth resident) Dan Sandham, who is joined by his fellow Throw Down contestant Ed King. See the extreme BMX bikers, the gun dog display, and Sunday visitors get the extra treat of Titan the Robot in the main ring (11:45, 13:30 and 15:00)!
Two top tips for your visit – wear wellies, and take cash! The footing was getting mucky today, as you’d expect, and a lot of rain is expected overnight so I’d expect the mud to arrive tomorrow. And as per most rural shows, the data signal vanishes once the crowd starts to swell, so be sure you take cash with you (and don’t do what we did: patienlty navigate the 20 minute queue for a coffee only to find you can’t pay for it!)
If you missed today, you have a second chance tomorrow, Sunday 28th April, 9:30 – 17:00 – children go FREE and Adult Tickets are £15 on the gate. Tickets can be purchased on the gate, but we suggest buying online for faster entry – www.dorsetspringshow.co.uk
- If you buy online, be sure to either print your ticket or screenshot the QR code on your phone before leaving home – signal onsite may not work!
- FIND IT – postcode DT2 8PY and then follow the yellow direction signs when nearby.
- Free Car Parking | Free Shuttle Bus from Dorchester & Poundbury
