Great Eccleston Show 2026: How to get there and what to see

One of Lancashire's longest-running agricultural shows will open its gates for a bumper weekend of events expected to attract huge crowds this weekend - on 18 and 19 July 2026.

The Great Eccleston Show - which this year celebrates over 170 years of farming heritage - is a showcase for every aspect of rural life, including animal displays, tractor-pulling, best in show competitions, and local arts.

The showground - which is open each day from 09:00 to 18:00 - is off Garstang Road (A586), in Great Eccleston, near Preston.

If you are driving, switch off your sat-nav as you get close, as you'll find the site signposted in the local area.

Parking is free and there is a designated area for those with a blue badge.

People can travel by train from Preston Railway Station or Blackpool North Station, by catching a train from Preston to Kirkham & Wesham Station.

From there, take the local 78 bus directly into Great Eccleston Square, which sits a short walk from the showground gates.

Various farm animals will be on show, including classes for Shire horses, sheep, pigs and poultry, light horses, goats and a companion dog show.

There are also traditional rural crafts demonstrations alongside displays of vintage cars and machinery.

A food hall featuring local produce will also feature and people can see sheep herding, sheep shearing, bee keeping, falconry and a Victorian fun fare.

Stunt rider the Kangaroo Kid and the North West Tractor Pulling Club, which also has monster trucks, add to the thrills on the day, organisers have said.

"We've got to keep our agricultural history and keep it relevant," secretary Janet Simpson said.

Seeing it all the planning come together for the thousands of visitors is "quite emotional," she said.

The Great Eccleston Agricultural Society, originally called the Rawcliffe Farmers Club, was established in 1853 to promote and improve agriculture and was founded by 62 local farmers.

The first ploughing match took place in March 1853, with the first cattle show following in October, while shows involving horses followed in 1856.

During the 19th Century agricultural shows were held across the Fylde, with the Great Eccleston Show gaining a reputation as it took place at the end of the show season and brought together prize-winning livestock and exhibits from other local shows.

The show faced financial difficulties and was suspended in 1955, but was revived in 1972.

After several rain-soaked events in 1973 and 1974, the show was successfully moved from September to July, leading to the show becoming a two-day event.

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