ENTRIES are now open for competitions at one of the south west's most popular agricultural shows.

The Royal Bath & West Show, from May 30 until June 1 2024, is now accepting entries to its livestock, equine, food and drink and arts and horticulture competitions.

The livestock classes are at the heart of the show, which is held in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. This year, there are two new cattle championships - the Exhibitor Bred Dairy Championship and the Exhibitor Bred Beef Championship. A dual-purpose category will also be added to the dairy schedule, welcoming entries for Dexter cattle and any other dual-purpose breeds. The beef schedule will add classes under a new Any Other Variety Minority Breeds category.

Sheep wise, there will be new Male and Female Breed Championships. This year, there will also be a national show - the Soutthdown Sheep Society, with an additional 'group of four' class. 

The show will be holding the Six Nations Blade Shearing Team Championships, which will see two-person teams from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and France go head-to-head.

For pig producers, there will be new breed classes for the Mangalitza pig bred, and the KuneKune breed will be elegible under its own set of classes. 

Equitation and horsemanship is a key part of the Royal Bath & West Show. And new for 2024 are the rescue horse and pony classes.

Competitors from up and down the country will go head-to-head in 22 ridden and in-hand qualifiers, chasing golden tickets to the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Competitions executive, Naomi Guiver, said: “[The rescue] classes are a real demonstration of determination and compassion

"Clearly there is a place for rehabilitated and retrained horses and ponies, and we are delighted to recognise that at the show.

“Year-on-year, the show’s equine schedule evolves to best represent modern breeding and horsemanship – while preserving important traditions and purpose, as seen with the heavy horses in harness."

To enter the competitions, click here. 

As well as the animal competitions, there is also the British Cider Championships, the People's Choice Award (for best cider), the egg competition and the South West Bees and Honey Show. 

Head of shows, Jess Chilplen, added: “The show is a real celebration of the exceptional quality and taste of South West produce – as well as further afield. 

"There will be plenty of street food and drink vendors dotted around the showground, so you’ll never be far from something delicious.”

Arts and horticulture is also celebrated at the show, with an Artists in Action tent, floral art competition and pop-up gardens competition.

Competition closing dates for entries 

  • Art - April 18 
  • Bees and Honey - May 1 
  • Floral Art - May 1 
  • Eggs - May 13 
  • Scurry - April 24 
  • Light horse - April 24 
  • Heavy horse - April 24 
  • Cider - May 9 
  • Sheep - April 15 
  • Beef cattle - April 15 
  • Pigs - April 15 
  • Dairy cattle - May 6 
  • Shoeing and shoemaking - May 1 
  • Show jumping - May 17 
  • Sheep shearing - May 17