This page is to inform and provide updates to visitors, exhibitors and stand holders
regarding the annual Bathurst Show and other year round events.
We can proudly say that the 2016 Show to be held on Friday the 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday the 3rd April is the Society’s 108th Show.
The Bathurst Agricultural Show is the largest and one of the oldest in the Eastern Cape.
Through the Show the society is able to help members of the surrounding community by providing additional employment and income during the pre and post-show period.
Tourism is also equally boosted as an estimated 12 000 visitors are attracted to the area each year creating support for local businesses with much needed funding.
Where Town and Country Meet is the Show’s motto and is demonstrated by an average of 180 Standholders from near and far. They bring the Showgrounds to life by marketing their extensive range of products from heavy duty farming equipment to homemade arts and crafts which often results in business partnerships being formed, trading opportunities furthered and the cross-section of ideas taking place.
Maintaining the agricultural side of the show, quality livestock large and small, comprising of a vast selection of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry compete for prizes and our magnificent trophies. Furthermore the popular and prestigious auction allows buyers to become owners of the stud and commercial cattle. Joining in on the competitions pineapple farmers challenge one another to discover who can produce the best while national standard equestrian events draw over 100 horses and their accomplished riders which occupy the main arena for an extra day.
Amazing talents and skills are displayed in a Home Industries hall with categories widely ranging from adult and junior art, photography, quilting, needlework, floral decorating, farm produce, leatherwork to woodwork just to name a few. Our Home Industries Section is one of the few that still exist at Agricultural Shows and the diverse exhibits are judged according to the highest standards applicable and prizes are awarded in the form of trophies and items generously donated by local businesses and the public.
Plentiful entertainment and fun is provided for all ages with miniature train trips around the grounds, an exciting funfair, paintball, quad bike rides, jumping castles, face painting, mechanical bull, army obstacle course, Tiger Titans mini cricket and popular games such as sack races and egg and spoon.
In addition to the vast array of delicious meals and tempting tasty treats supplied by numerous food kiosks, enjoyable highlights which also attract the approximately 10 000 visitors to the Bathurst Agricultural Show include the vintage tractor and classic car parade, incredible dog show, sheep shearing, school bands and the Scottish Bag-piper.
For those that view the show as the perfect opportunity to catch up and relax with friends old and new our two pubs the ‘Bull’s Inn’ and the ‘Horse and Plough’ are where one finds many a “Boet and Swaer” story flowing forth as live local music talent plays late into the memorable nights.
Survival of the Bathurst Agricultural Show has always relied upon the much appreciated wonderful volunteers and the support from Sponsors be it either financially or by kindly donating prizes towards our numerous competitions.
The Bathurst Agricultural Society is most grateful for their assistance and generosity and hopes for continued support in the many years to come.
