County Show returns after 2024 rain cancellation

Organisers of the Derbyshire County Show say they are happy to be back, after having to cancel the event last year due to wet weather.

The show ground at Elvaston was left under water in 2024 after a bout of persistent rain.

This year, about 12,000 people are expected to attend the annual agricultural gathering, which has been running since 1860.

Chairman Edward Hicklin told the BBC: "The weather beat us last year but this time the ground's in fantastic condition. It's the best it's looked for about five years. We're so happy. We're like a coiled spring ready to go again."

Gates are due to open for visitors at 08:30 BST on Sunday.

"It's fantastic to be back. It's what the society is about. We put the show on each year, and if we can't it spoils it for everyone," said Mr Hicklin.

He said the weather was "completely the opposite" to last year and promised the hundreds of animals brought to the show would be kept safe.

"People that show the animals are professional exhibiters, and they know their animals. They know how to take care of them," he said.

"They bring shade and shelter and we've got lots of running water on show ground. No animals come before the day."

Show ground manager Ian Martin added: "For people coming with animals, there are going to be dog baths around the place.

"There's around 12 to 13 taps around the place, there's plenty of water and shade."

New for the 2025 event is a drone racing competition.

Mr Hicklin said: "They set big hoops and targets and an assault course for them to negotiate round. There's a display of that in the main ring."

The event will also see shetland pony racing, vintage cars and tractors, a stunt team and a Q&A with Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan.

Abigail Hicklin, 27, who volunteers at the event said: "She'll be in the main ring at about 12:20 doing a live Q&A session, but she'll also be walking round all day to do meet and greets.

"It's really great, especially to have a young female farmer representing farming and all things agriculture. She's done a really good job to show that whatever boys can do, girls can do too."

Organisers also revealed they had seen an increase in scammers trying to sell fake tickets.

They warned the Derbyshire County Show does not sell resale tickets and tickets are only sold through its official website.

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