Fife Show 2026

by

We are counting down to the Fife Show on Saturday 23rd May! This traditional agricultural event has evolved over the years into a fabulous family day out.

Where it all began …

In 1821, the Fife Agricultural Society was formed in Cupar with the main objective being the “general encouragement of agriculture” and, in particular, the breeding of horses, cattle and sheep.

More than 200 years on, showing classes take place for the same – as well as pets – and the Show now includes so much more.

In the cattle sections there are classes for pedigree stock such as Aberdeen Angus, Belted Galloways and Highlanders as well as for commercial beef and dairy animals.

Sheep classes include, amongst others, Border Leicesters, Texels and Shetlands.

 

Show organisers are also delighted to welcome the Scottish Suffolk Area Branch who are holding their National Scottish Show at Fife Show this year.

The Main Ring …

In and around the Main Ring is the place to see the heavy horse breeds – Shetland ponies, Highlands and Clydesdales.

The show is one of only three events in Scotland invited to host the Horse of the Year Show qualifiers for the Ridden and Driven Heavy Horse classes which has been sponsored by ROLLOS LAW LLP and DIAGEO. Driven Heavy Horse turnouts are a sight to be seen with classes taking place in the main ring in the afternoon.

The Light Horse area has six rings in action all day, with In-Hand and ridden classes. These include BSPS, NPS Scotland, Scone Palace, Veterans, RoR, Caledonian Showing Championships, TSR Amateur of the Year & BHS Scotland qualifiers.

Showjumping classes are held at the top of the Showfield, including Royal Highland Show qualifiers.

There are also classes for our younger exhibitors, with Young Handlers’ classes for cattle, sheep, heavy horse and light horse sections.

Game Fair …

The Game Fair area, kindly sponsored by GAME SHOOTING FIFE LTD, provides the opportunity to learn about local wildlife with falconry demonstrations and gundog displays, or why not have a go at the dog scurry.

Visit the Fife Bloodhounds pack and learn about clean boot hunting or see what animals are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust list.

The Royal Kennel Club Companion Dog Show, where you can enter on the day, takes place here as well, with Pedigree classes in the morning and the Novelty sections in the afternoon.

In the Game Fair marquee, the British Deer Society will display a selection of skulls, antlers and hides from the species found in Scotland, with The Fife Red Squirrel Group promoting how to save the ‘reds’!

The marquee also welcomes members of the Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers who will demonstrate spinning and different methods of fleece preparation through to finished garment, either knitted or woven and the Crook & Stickmakers will be demonstrating their skills throughout the day, with entries for the Stickmaking competition being taken in the marquee on Show Day.

As well as hosting showing classes, the Main Ring is the place to see the Parade of Livestock which will showcase the very best of breeds in the crowning of the Champion of Champions!

Vintage …

And later in the afternoon you can see the Vintage Parade, kindly sponsored by WILSON STEVEN TRANSPORT Ltd and supported by the Fife Vintage Agricultural Machinery Club and other local classic vehicle enthusiasts.

Stirring musical interludes will be performed by the Pipes & Drums of Cupar & District Pipe Band, and the day rounds off with the Young Farmers Tug O’ War – always hotly contested, close by!

Young and young at heart!

The Kids Countryside Tent, situated near the Game Fair area, includes informative stands alongside fun activities for all the family…from tent sponsors’ BRANSTON looking at all things potato related.

  • Geobus, with science related activities
  • The Scottish Geology Trust will display Scottish rocks, fossils and minerals
  • Fife Coast & Countryside Trust will have information relating to local environmental issues
  • MindfulArt will showcase fluid art demonstrations and also offer taster pours
  • Chill out with some storytelling by Hamespun Tales (check out the timetable for specific timings)
  • Visit Zoolab to get hands on with exotic animals and creepy crawlies and!
  • The Scarecrow Competition, organised for local primary schools by the Royal Highland Education Trust Fife, will be judged close by.

In the Second Showfield, the Egg Show will take place alongside the Pet Show near to the main public entrance, with classes for rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and any other pet you’d like to bring along! Entries are taken on Show Day.

Food for thought …

The Home Produce classes are held in a marquee in the second field and showcase the best of baking, home produce and crafts from exhibitors both local and from further afield, with competition classes for adults and juniors.

The Craft Tent has a fabuous range of products and wares from crafters from Fife and beyond – and boasts as a fantatsic shopping opportunity! Another marquee nearby has members from Made in Fife, with more home-made pieces available to purchase.

This year, the Show is working closely with Chef Al Roberto of Simmer Events Kitchen/Osteria by Simmer to bring you the Food & Cookery Theatre – which promises to provide informative and engaging “chef’s table” style food and cookery demonstrations on throughout the day, showcasing the very best of local produce from Fife.

The Food & Drink Marquee, kindly sponsored by Kettle Produce  Ltd, includes local and specialty producers with many tasty treats available.

Trades and more …

A huge & diverse selection of exhibitors make up the outdoor Trade Stand Area, with stands selling everything from agricultural machinery and cars to art work, as well as many of a more informative nature.

In, or near, the field nearest the car parks, why not have a go at archery with the Cupar Bowmen or watch the skills of the Kingdom School of Swordplay team.

All ages will enjoy the Funfair with rides and stalls for the young and those still young at heart!  Or go and meet Scottish Fire & Rescue, Police Scotland or the Royal Air Force Cadets, with various vehicles and information.

The Food Court, with a great choice of catering outlets, provides ready to eat food, and also offers an undercover area to sit and enjoy your meal (just behind the main ring). Further food outlets are also situated in the second Showfield – there’s something for everyone with a great range of food types, so be sure to check them all out, on the map, before deciding on what to have for lunch!

Tickets and access …

You can buy tickets in advance to help beat the queues on the day. Just click on the image below …

Need more?

The Show has a useful FAQs, section on their website. You can find more via this link.

Huge thanks …

The Show has shared a vote of thanks to all who help to make the event possible …

Cupar in Bloom, Members of Fife Rotary Clubs, Cupar Golf Club, volunteers from East Fife Riding for the Disabled & Equestrian Group, Royal Air Force Cadets, the Bell Baxter and East Fife Young Farmers and the many friends of the Show who give up their time and much-needed machinery to help make the Show one of the best, and well-supported one-day shows in the country.

Useful Links to Friends of the Show

 

Thank you for reading.

Please feel free to share with all who might be interested. 

 

All of our work promoting businesses, community groups, events and local activities is funded by those who subscribe to our support packages. These start at just £200 + VAT for the whole year. Click on this link or the image below for more.