Skip to content
Crowds flock to Malvern as the Royal Three Counties Show returns
Malvern once again played host to the celebration of British countryside and rural life, with thousands of animals, farmers and visitors flocking to the Three Counties Showground.
The phrase on everyone’s lips, perhaps unsurprisingly, was “cost of living” with many of the producers in attendance voicing their concerns as well as sharing advice on how to deal with the current situation.
Among them was Ali Capper, who runs Stocks Farm – a 200-year-old hop and fruit farm in Suckley.
She said: “We are on our knees.
“We’ve had a huge cost of production increase, it’s 23 per cent more expensive to produce apples than it was a year ago and that’s down to a combination of increased workforce costs and massive energy costs.
“As a result, shoppers are paying more and it’s not fair.
“The message to the government from me would be, you will not get food inflation back under control until you subsidise primary food production’s energy needs.”
READ MORE: Six reasons to visit Royal Three Counties Show as animal-packed event returns
Oliver Cartwright, a Worcestershire spokesperson for the National Farmer’s Union, added: “Everybody’s in the same position, we’re all facing rising bills, and it’s very much the same for the farming industry.
“Worcester is lucky because it’s got great farming with everything from livestock to horticultural production and of course it’s famed in the Vale of Evesham for its asparagus.”
He added: “There’s some quality stock here at the show, the sun is shining and people are enjoying themselves.
“The show is about discussing these issues but it’s also about people coming together and celebrating food, farming and the countryside.
“Farming can be quite an isolated industry, especially when you’re out in the fields on your own, so events like this are a good opportunity to come together and meet old friends.”
The Royal Three Counties Show isn’t all serious though, with visitors of all ages enjoying the sights and sounds of the countryside.
With over 6,000 animals in attendance, youngsters could get up close to their favourite farmyard critters, from huge Hereford cattle to tiny Shetland ponies.
Meanwhile, stages spread across the showground played host to various displays, from falconry shows to quad bike stunts.
There were also a few famous human faces in attendance, including national treasure David Jason, Jay Blades of Repair Shop fame, and celebrity farmer Adam Henson.
Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery, Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper and JLS’ JB Gill will also be in attendance over the course of the weekend.
The show will run until Sunday, June 18.
