This year celebrates the 160th anniversary of Turriff Show – Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural event – which is set to take place on Sunday 4 to Monday 5 August 2024. Each year, the showground comes to life, welcoming those from near and far to experience the very best of northeast farming, food & drink, and local heritage. The show’s lead sponsor for 2024 is Melrose Farms & Haulage – a family-run agricultural & haulage business near Banff, Aberdeenshire.
In 2023, the show attracted over 24,000 visitors, on what turned out to be two inviting days of bright sunshine. The vibrant crowds made their way around 300+ exhibitors’ stands, witnessing the impressive Vintage & Classic Vehicle Display, sulky racing and dog showing, whilst tasting the very best of Scottish Food & Drink.
Turriff Show is highly regarded on the ‘show circuit’ for a host of livestock, equestrian, small animal, and dog classes, awarding one of the largest ‘prize pots’ in the UK. In total 330 trophies are presented and over £88,000 is paid in prize money across 1,500 exhibitor classes. Animal classes include prime cattle, sheep, horses & ponies, rabbits, cavies, dogs, and pigeons. Industrial and craft classes are for skills including baking, vegetable growing and flower arranging.
All the way from Crufts to Turriff, ‘Kipperridge Gundogs’ are set to retrieve the spotlight in the main ring this year, as they demonstrate world-class canine displays. Some woolly performers will be also taking to the stage in the sheep section, with ‘The Sheep Show’ to provide entertainment over the two days.
“Scotland’s biggest two-day agricultural show has been one of the key dates in my calendar for as long as I can remember. From attending member to sports convenor in 2004-2019, it is a pleasure to be main sponsor and President because there’s nothing better that connects agriculture to the people as brilliantly as Turriff Show,” said David Allan, President and Main Sponsor. “We are thrilled to host the Scottish National Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show and the Scottish National Simmental Summer Show this year,” he continued.
Gail Greig, Turriff Show Secretary added “There is nothing quite like Turriff Show – a fantastic family day out to experience a range of activities, and dive into the world of farming with a taste or tipple of its produce.
“New to the showground – a horse-shoe shaped marquee combining the arts & crafts display, shopping mall and exhibition all in one – will be situated next to the food and drink stands. The EQ Food and Drink Pavilion continues to be one the largest growing attractions, as exhibitors showcase a rich supply of the region’s finest food, including meat, dairy, fruits, home bakes, preserves, and local drinks – beer, gin, and whisky.”
Mr Allan concluded, “I hope this year’s show will be a light at the end of a tunnel, for what has been a wet and soggy start to the year. Whilst good weather is always warmly welcomed to Turriff’s agricultural event – it is the dedication and commitment from our wonderful volunteers, members on the committee, exhibitors, and sponsors, and large attendance from our visitors that truly make the magic happen.
“We want all visitors to be able to attend whether it be for one day or two, so our advice is to purchase your tickets online via our website to save money and ease showground entry on the day. We look forward to welcoming you all down at the Haughs in August.”