The Royal Show - Media & PR - Press Releases

February 2nd 2009

Royal Show Comes out Fighting to Give Industry a Positive Platform for 2009

The Royal Show has launched ambitious plans to regain its position as the pre-eminent summer event showcasing all that is best in English farming, food and the countryside.

After three years dogged by appalling weather and animal disease outbreaks, Show organiser, the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), has announced major investment in new elements designed to restore the event’s prestige when the gates open at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire from July 7th to 10th.

Commenting on the 2009 re-launch, Honorary Show Director, Mark Spencer said:

“The Royal Show means business in 2009. We want to give the countryside something to celebrate in what promises to be a tough year for town and country alike. Farming is a resilient industry and it can weather the storm. We are in a new era where our efforts are being appreciated. Consumers want locally produced food; they enjoy the countryside benefits that we deliver; and new opportunities are opening up in alternative energy, water management and diversified businesses such as tourism and direct food marketing.

“The Royal Show will reflect these developments as well as providing an active market place for new machinery, new business ideas, the best in British livestock genetics and a fantastic local food offer.”

Innovations for Royal Show 2009 include:

• A new showground layout making it easier for visitors to plan and enjoy their day;
   
• An expanded farm energy area;
   
• More livestock and a higher profile for UK cattle, sheep and pigs;
   
• Improved machinery competitions and a clear showcase for machinery innovation;
   
• Seven new classes in what is one of the country’s biggest annual equine events;
   
• A return to the mid-week slot which farmers and traders prefer;
   
• Increased collaboration with industry associates and partners to offer wider appeal and increased networking opportunities;
   
• An emphasis on fresh and local in all food outlets with Farmers Market food courts in all showground areas;
   
• A new logo and better on-site signage.

Plans are progressing well and despite the down turn in the economy, there are clear and encouraging signs that exhibitors and traders are responding to the Show’s new and ambitious approach. Weekly sales are running in line with previous years.

“We have also changed our ticketing arrangements making it easier for group bookings, coach visitors and schools to visit the Show,” said Mark Spencer.

“We are expecting in excess of 10,000 school children over the four days and we are delighted that major sponsors, including leading supermarket groups, are working with the Society to make education and farm trails a key part of the offer for young visitors.”

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For further media information contact:

Peter Crowe
Ceres
T: 01189 475956
M: 07967 504034
E: peter.crowe@ceres-pr.co.uk

Naomi Barry
Ceres
T: 01189 475956
M: 07920 098498
E: naomi.barry@ceres-pr.co.uk