Following the cancellation of the 2020 event, the English Winter Fair returns to the Staffordshire County Showground on the 20th and 21st November and will showcase some of the UK’s best livestock.
Alongside the livestock classes, farmers and food producers can enter their best carcass and food products to be judged, while visitors can explore various shopping and produce stalls, providing activities in the lead up to Christmas.
The National Pedigree Calf Show will take place on Saturday, while the overall Winter Fair champion will be judged on Sunday, with both classes carrying a £1,000 prize for the supreme champion.
The Duke of Norfolk competition, hosted by the Royal Smithfield Club, returns for 2021. First introduced in 2019, the competition sees breed societies select a set of three animals from existing pedigree classes to represent the breed.
In the carcass hall, butchers and food producers will showcase their meat products, and the Christmas Country Fair will be back to everyone in the festive spirit with Christmas shopping and the chance to indulge in food and drink.
Farmers will also be able to get support and business advice from farming organisations and experts that will be on hand to provide information.
Richard Williams, CEO of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: “I am thrilled to announce that the English Winter Fair is returning and to welcome farmers and the rural community back after what has been a particularly isolating 18 months.
“The Fair has long been a highlight for Britain’s farmers, bringing them together for a rare social event and showcasing the high standard of livestock brought to the fair each year by top producers from across the UK.
“Being able to gather with like-minded folk to celebrate and showcase British food and farming has been sorely missed during lockdown and we are all looking forward to this event more than ever.
“We are working hard to implement the necessary safety measures to help ensure the event goes ahead and give everyone in attendance a fantastic experience. I encourage the rural community and farmers to take some well-deserved time out from their schedule this year to get together and enjoy the festivities.”
The schedule for the event will be published in mid-September. Tickets are £8 in advance or £10 at the gate and the car park opens at 8am.
For more information and entries go to www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk/english-winter-fair