when agriculture was the most important part of the local economy. It attracts livestock exhibitors from across the country as well as features competitions for young farmers, traditional rural skills, show jumping, horticulture, dairy products, honey, poultry and crafts. There are numerous trade stands, demonstrations, displays in the ring and a funfair. In 2016, some 90,000 visitors attended the show during the three days it lasted.

Students from Bicton College, a specialist agricultural college