From Ploughs to Parachutes: A Delightfully British History of The Lincolnshire Show

If you’ve ever wandered through the gates of the Lincolnshire Showground and found yourself munching on a Lincolnshire sausage while watching a parachutist land next to a prize-winning cow, you might have wondered — how did this gloriously eccentric tradition begin?

The Lincolnshire Show isn’t just a two-day countryside celebration. It’s a slice of the county’s living history, with roots stretching back over 135 years. It has survived two World Wars, freak weather, and the invention of TikTok — and come out the other side with even more tractors, show ponies and jam stalls than before.

So pull up a hay bale, and let’s dive into the story of how a humble farmers’ gathering turned into one of the biggest county shows in the UK.

In the Beginning: The Birth of an Agricultural Tradition (1869–1890s)

Long before the Lincolnshire Show became the spectacle it is today, Lincolnshire’s farmers had been gathering to share knowledge, swap tips, and showcase their finest livestock. These early events were small, localised affairs — think more “village green” than “main ring stunt show.”

But in 1869, a group of agricultural leaders had a big idea. They formed the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a body dedicated to promoting the importance of farming and rural life across the county. Their mission? To educate, innovate and celebrate all things agriculture.

Just a few years later, in 1870, the first official Lincolnshire Show took place. It was a movable feast, held in a different town each year, and focused primarily on farming excellence: livestock competitions, ploughing demonstrations, and — of course — a lot of moustachioed men in top hats shaking hands over prize pigs.

A Roaming Show: 1870s–1950s

In its early decades, the Lincolnshire Show traveled the county, rotating between towns like Lincoln, Spalding, Boston, Grimsby and Louth. This travelling format gave rural communities across Lincolnshire a chance to host the county’s biggest agricultural celebration.

The events were hugely popular — not just with farmers, but with townsfolk who came out in their Sunday best to enjoy the horses, hounds, and hustle. It wasn’t just about business — it was about pride, tradition, and showing off the best of Lincolnshire to neighbours and rivals alike.

By the early 20th century, the show had become a highlight of the rural calendar, attended by thousands each year and attracting royal interest. But it wasn’t all smooth ploughing…

World Wars and Hard Times

Like many major events, the Lincolnshire Show was halted during the World Wars. From 1915 to 1918 and again from 1940 to 1945, the show took a break while the country focused on the war effort.

But even in these difficult times, the spirit of the show lived on. Farmers played a vital role in feeding the nation during the wars, and the agricultural society helped share best practices and support the county’s rural workforce through thick and thin.

By the time the show resumed in peacetime, it came back with renewed purpose — a celebration not just of farming, but of resilience, innovation, and the unshakeable spirit of the countryside.

A Permanent Home: Lincolnshire Showground (1959–Today)

After decades of travelling, 1959 marked a major milestone: the Lincolnshire Show was given a permanent home at the newly developed Lincolnshire Showground in Grange-de-Lings, just north of Lincoln.

Set across 200 acres of rolling countryside, the showground offered a central location with space for:

• Expanding livestock displays

• Machinery and trade stands

• Permanent infrastructure

• Thousands of eager visitors

The move gave the show stability, allowed for long-term development, and meant the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society could host other events year-round.

And from that moment on, the Lincolnshire Show wasn’t just a two-day event — it became an institution.

Expanding the Show: The 1960s–1980s

The show began to evolve beyond its farming roots. New features were introduced to appeal to broader audiences, including:

• Equestrian events and showjumping

• Craft and horticulture competitions

• Children’s activities

• Local business exhibitions

• Cookery and home produce contests

What began as an agricultural show was now a community celebration — showcasing not just the best crops and cattle, but the creativity, culture, and innovation of Lincolnshire.

And the shopping? Let’s just say, the rise of the trade stands in the '70s meant it was perfectly acceptable to come home with both a new lawnmower and a homemade sponge cake.

The Show in Full Flight: 1990s–2010s

By the 1990s, the Lincolnshire Show had become a regional powerhouse. With tens of thousands of visitors each year, the event drew families, foodies, school groups and tourists alike.

Each year brought new spectacles to keep the crowds coming back:

• Motorbike stunt shows

• RAF flyovers (with Lincolnshire being Bomber County, these are always a crowd-pleaser)

• Celebrity chef demos and food festivals

• Educational zones for students

• Live music, falconry, dog agility and so much more

And through it all, the show kept its agricultural heart. The Grand Parade of Livestock remained the centerpiece, a nod to the event’s heritage and its ongoing mission to support farming.

Surviving the Storm: The 2020 Pandemic

In 2020, for the first time in over 75 years, the Lincolnshire Show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tough call - but a necessary one.

Rather than let the year slip away, the organisers pivoted to create a virtual Lincolnshire Show. There were online cookery classes, video farm tours, and educational sessions for schools, all celebrating the spirit of the show from afar.

And when the gates reopened in 2021, the show returned stronger than ever — a reminder of how deeply loved it is by locals and visitors alike.

The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society: Behind the Scenes

At the heart of the show is the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS) — the not-for-profit charity formed back in 1869 that still runs the event today.

Its mission has stayed true for over 150 years:

"To educate the public about food, farming and the countryside.”

Revenue from the show is reinvested into educational programmes, school visits, and sustainability initiatives across Lincolnshire. So every ticket you buy supports farming's future.

Fun Facts About the Lincolnshire Show

Because no blog is complete without a few surprises…

• 🐑 Sheep Outnumber Visitors: On show days, you’re statistically more likely to bump into a sheep than a fellow human.

• ✈️ RAF Displays Are a Tradition: The show’s proximity to airbases means some of the UK’s best aerial shows happen right overhead.

• 🥧 It Once Had a Pie-Eating Contest: Legend has it the 1984 champion ate 12 pork pies in under 4 minutes.

• 👑 It Has Hosted Royal Visitors: Including HRH The Princess Royal, who officially opened the new Epic Centre in 2008.

• 🐄 The Cattle Are Shampooed: Seriously. Livestock competitors go through a full beauty routine before stepping into the ring.

The Show Today: A Celebration for Everyone

Fast forward to 2025, and the Lincolnshire Show is more than just a day out — it’s a love letter to the county itself.

Each year it welcomes over 60,000 visitors, showcases 600+ trade exhibitors, and runs hundreds of events, displays, and demos.

You’ll find:

• Agriculture at its core

• Family-friendly fun

• A treasure trove of food and drink

• Sustainable farming ideas

• Show-stopping entertainment

Whether you’re into tractors, terriers, tipples or topiary - there’s a corner of the Lincolnshire Show with your name on it.

Why We Keep Coming Back

So why does the Lincolnshire Show hold such a special place in people’s hearts?

Maybe it’s the sound of hooves in the morning, or the scent of fresh doughnuts on the breeze. Maybe it’s the sight of children wide-eyed at their first tractor ride. Or maybe it’s just knowing that this event - rooted in soil, tradition, and community - still feels like coming home.

Whatever it is, the Lincolnshire Show has grown and evolved with its people. And after more than a century, it remains a beloved part of the summer calendar.

If you’ve never been, make this year your first.

If you have, well - you already know the magic.

Quick Info: The Lincolnshire Show 2025

What:🎉 The Lincolnshire Show 2025 - a two-day festival of farming, food, fun and local history

Where:📍 Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA

When:📅 Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th June 2025🕗 8:00am to 6:00pm both days

Tickets:🎟️ On sale now at https://lincolnshireshow.co.uk - Discounts available for families and early birds. Under-5s go free!