Royal Cheshire Show

Dating back to before the 18th century, Royal county and county shows have long been a tradition in England. They are steeped in our rural and food heritage and are an integral part of the food chain which is something many of us forget

These annual events, originally established by farmers to promote and highlight the fabulous things which are available locally, provide an important insight into faming and rural life as well as an opportunity for farmers to celebrate their amazing industry and to showcase their livestock, horses, produce, food and skills which are available in the area

In the beginning the shows were informal gatherings where local people would learn new skills and develop new interests such as tending livestock, cooking and crafts. However as the shows grew in popularity they soon attracted a wider audience with people, including royalty, coming from much further afield to take a look at what the region could offer, to share ideas and to network.

Today, the shows, held all over the UK, still provide local businesses and farmers with a platform to showcase and show off their animals, machinery and produce. Winning an award at one of the show competitions is a great accolade and provides recognition to the individuals and organisations right across the country.

Aside from the showcase of local businesses, the shows are great day out for all the family with a wide variety of activities, animals and food on offer. They provide a much needed educational platform in an age where we are used to having anything and everything available all year round and they highlight how agriculture and Food are intrinsically linked and can only thrive in the symbiotic relationship many of us overlook. Many animals would not exist if it wasn't for food production and many of the foods we take for granted would not be so readily available if it wasn't for the produce we find right here on our doorstep.

Over the decades, and certainly in more recent times our society has become more and more throwaway and disposable and a certain amount of respect has been lost for where our food comes from, how it is produced and what it takes to produce it. Our way of thinking needs to change and visiting a County show hopefully allows us to gain a new level of respect for what we eat.

Nowadays County shows are playing a important role in helping us to understand the love, time and effort put into growing a carrot, an onion, a potato or the care and love many farmers give to their animals to ensure they have happy, healthy and safe lives and maintain a high standard and duty of care for all our food produce.

However food education starts at home and in school and we believe that information around food miles and "field to fork" should be at the heart of education for children from a very young age.

Respect for the environment, landscape, livestock and people who live and work within it should form a part of the curriculum in all schools so that hopefully we slowly change our habits and become less wasteful and give more thought to where things come from, what it has taken to get it to your plate, and how we can make best use of what we have locally.

Some of the things that we produce in England sits among the finest in the world, but each county has its strengths and they should be celebrated and championed and this is what county shows are all about.

Our very own chef and food educator Emma is lucky enough to work behind the scenes at a number of shows as well as provide educational support to local schools on food related topics. If you would like more information on how we can help you learn more about food, where it comes from, or how to create perfect recipes locally, please get in touch.