Chipping Agricultural Show 2026: A Great Family Day Out in the Ribble Valley
If you’re looking for a proper Lancashire country show, Chipping Agricultural Show is one of the highlights of the Ribble Valley summer calendar.
Taking place on Saturday 22 August 2026, the show brings together livestock, horses, local produce, crafts, family entertainment and plenty of traditional agricultural show atmosphere, all against the spectacular backdrop of Parlick Fell and the Forest of Bowland.
Whether you’re interested in farming and rural life or simply looking for a family day out in the Ribble Valley, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Chipping Show in 2026.
When is Chipping Agricultural Show 2026?
Date: Saturday 22 August 2026
Location: Chipping Showground, Longridge Road, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2QF
The showground sits just outside the picturesque village of Chipping, surrounded by some of the finest countryside in Lancashire.
It’s an especially attractive setting for an agricultural show, with Parlick Fell providing the backdrop and the village itself just a short walk away.
What’s on at Chipping Show?
Chipping Show offers the traditional mix of farming, competitions and entertainment that makes a good village agricultural show such an enjoyable day out.
At the heart of the event are the livestock and animal classes, with cattle, sheep, horses and ponies among the animals traditionally represented at the show. Visitors can also expect classes and displays involving Shire horses, poultry and other aspects of rural life.
One of the more entertaining attractions is The Woolly Back Hurdle sheep racing, while the programme also includes a dog show alongside the main agricultural competitions.
Away from the animals, there’s plenty more to explore. Chipping Show traditionally features horticulture, handicrafts, cakes, preserves and cheese, together with children’s competitions and other classes.
There are also trade stands and a craft marquee, giving visitors an opportunity to browse products from local makers and rural businesses. Food and drink are another part of the day, with speciality food producers adding to the show atmosphere. Vintage vehicles and children’s entertainment also feature among the attractions.
The organisers have published the 2026 Show Schedule on the official Chipping Show website, so it is worth checking the latest programme before travelling if there is a particular class or attraction you don’t want to miss.
A show with more than 100 years of history
Chipping Agricultural Show has deep roots in the local community.
The first Chipping and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show was held on 2 October 1920 in a field at Dairy Farm on Goose Lane.
Remarkably, contemporary reports described the inaugural event as a success despite the agricultural society having only been formally proposed around three weeks earlier.
The show subsequently moved between several locations around Chipping before developing into the event visitors know today.
More than a century later, it remains an opportunity to see and celebrate the farming traditions and rural community that continue to play such an important part in life around Chipping and the wider Ribble Valley.
Chipping Show tickets for 2026
Buying tickets in advance is the best option if you already know you’re going.
At the time of writing, advance tickets cost £14 for adults and £4 for children.
Advance ticket holders also benefit from a priority queue on show day, while the organisers advertise free parking and a free printed show catalogue. Advance tickets are limited, so booking sooner rather than leaving it until the last minute is advisable.
2026 advance ticket prices:
- Adults – £14
- Children – £4
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Chipping Agricultural Show website.
As prices and availability can change, check the official website for the latest information before travelling.
How to get to Chipping Agricultural Show
The show takes place at:
Chipping Showground
Longridge Road
Chipping
Preston
PR3 2QF
The showground is on Longridge Road just outside Chipping village.
On show day, the event is clearly signposted from both the Longridge and Clitheroe directions, making it relatively straightforward to find once you’re in the area.
For visitors travelling from further afield, the organisers recommend M6 Junction 31A when approaching from the south and Junction 32 when approaching from the north.
Parking at Chipping Show
Parking is free, which is particularly useful for families planning to spend most of the day at the show.
As with any popular agricultural show, local roads are likely to be busier than usual, particularly around arrival and departure times. Allowing a little extra time for the journey is sensible.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are very much part of country-show life, and dogs are welcome at Chipping Show. The show’s published visitor information asks owners to keep dogs on leads while on the show field.
There’s even a dog show, so four-legged visitors can potentially do more than simply watch the action.
Owners should, of course, take extra care around livestock and horses and be prepared for a busy environment with plenty of people and other dogs.
What to bring to Chipping Show
Much of an agricultural show takes place outdoors, so a little preparation for Lancashire’s famously unpredictable weather can make the day much more enjoyable.
Comfortable footwear is a must, particularly if the ground has been wet. A waterproof jacket is never a bad addition to the bag, while sunscreen and hats may be equally useful if the August weather behaves itself.
If you’re visiting with young children, remember that you’ll potentially be spending several hours walking around the showground.
And don’t forget some spending money. With food producers, craft stalls and other traders to explore, there will almost certainly be something tempting along the way.
Make time to explore Chipping
One of the great advantages of this particular agricultural show is its location.
Chipping is well worth exploring in its own right, so consider allowing some extra time before or after the show for a wander around the village.
Set above the River Loud in the Forest of Bowland, Chipping is a conservation area characterised by stone cottages and historic buildings. Its heritage includes a 13th-century church, a 17th-century school and almshouses established by local benefactor John Brabin.
The surrounding countryside also makes Chipping an excellent starting point for walks and longer days out in the Forest of Bowland.
Why visit Chipping Agricultural Show?
Chipping Show is one of those events that manages to combine a genuinely agricultural show with a relaxed family day out.
You can watch livestock judging one minute, browse locally made crafts the next, stop for something to eat and then head back towards the main ring to see what’s happening.
More importantly, it offers visitors a glimpse of the farming community and rural traditions that remain an important part of the Ribble Valley.
And it’s hard to imagine a better setting for it. With Chipping village nearby and the fells of the Forest of Bowland rising beyond the showground, the location alone makes this one of Lancashire’s most picturesque country shows.
Chipping Agricultural Show 2026: At a glance
What: Chipping Agricultural Show
When: Saturday 22 August 2026
Where: Chipping Showground, Longridge Road, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2QF
Advance tickets: Adults £14, Children £4
Parking: Free
Dogs: Welcome; keep dogs on leads on the show field
Highlights: Livestock and horse classes, dog show, sheep racing, horticulture, crafts, food, trade stands, vintage vehicles and family entertainment
For tickets, the full 2026 show schedule and the latest visitor information, visit the official Chipping Agricultural Show website.
