Events Spring into Action at the South of England Showground

To kick-start an action-packed year of events, the South of England Agricultural Society is delighted to announce that Spring Live! returns to its showground in Ardingly on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April.

The two-day event will run from 9 am to 5 pm each day and is crammed with animals, activities, experiences, and entertainment for all the family. The South of England Agricultural Society is a registered charity, and the weekend is also an opportunity to find out about how they fund local projects and support education and countryside learning.

The weekend event is set to feature live and interactive entertainment and thanks to the easing of Covid restrictions, this year will see the welcome return of ‘have a go’ activities such as archery and axe throwing. There will also be a multitude of shopping stalls and a food hall jam-packed with mouth-watering artisan treats from local and independent producers.

Younger visitors can learn directly from the owners about a range of animals from farmyard favourites to reptiles and amphibians.

There will also be opportunities for kids to participate in chocolate workshops and wand making sessions, encounter the thrill of the funfair and much more.

The whole family can experience activities such as Morris Dancing, circus skills workshops, a fun dog show for four-legged visitors, the ever-popular sheep show, and even clog dancing. For the green-fingered, there will be nursery and garden equipment stands, and a new format Gardener’s Q&A session to get some top tips from the experts.

Furthermore, breeders from across the country will be competing and showcasing their Huacaya and Suri alpacas, the Countryside Hub will be on hand to provide information on the Countryside Code, there’s a ‘Giant Petal Globe’ for photo opportunities, flower arranging workshops and plenty more!

Corrie Ince, Show Director at The South of England Agricultural Society, commented:

“Spring Live! is an ideal way to get outside and celebrate the arrival of spring. Although the pandemic halted many things in the past two years, it did give people the chance to appreciate the countryside. For those who haven’t been to one of our shows before, they will be able to learn more about the countryside and its industries. It also enables us to bring together producers and independent businesses who work tirelessly to produce high-quality goods.

“The safety of our visitors to Spring Live! remains paramount. We will be continuing to adhere to any Covid-19 regulations and restricting numbers of people attending our venue which has been deemed as ‘Good to Go’ by Visit England.

“On behalf of the Society, we truly look forward to welcoming new and seasoned visitors to the showground and bringing people together for a shared love of the English springtime.”

For the protection of everyone at the event, tickets to Spring Live! 2022 will be limited and should be booked before arrival to guarantee entry. Tickets are available from seas.org.uk and cost £12.60 for adults, £10.80 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of 10% online discount until 15.04.21) – under 16s go free (suggested donation of £2 for children aged 5-15).

Dogs are welcome although they will not be admitted to indoor areas