Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
Wednesday 18 August – Thursday 19 August 2027 (to be confirmed)
Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Dorset(SP7 9PL)
The show joins two old farming societies: Gillingham's began in 1860, the Shaftesbury Farms Club in 1862, and they first held a combined show in 1930. Since 1993 the society has had a permanent home, Turnpike Showground near Motcombe in Dorset, and the show says around 21,000 people come through its gates over the two days. Cattle and sheep are judged for rosettes, heavy horses show off harness work and plaiting, and the Turnpike Ring brings terrier racing, gundog displays and a dog and sheep show. Steam engines and vintage tractors line up, horticulture draws over 1,000 entries, children can try butter making, and over 350 trade stands fill the field. In 2026 parking and shuttle buses from both towns were free, visitors could bring their own food, and dogs were welcome on a lead.
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What to expect
Date & times
Wednesday 18 August – Thursday 19 August 2027 (to be confirmed)
Getting there
Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Dorset (SP7 9PL for sat nav)
Dog friendliness
1 🐾 — limited dog access
Accessibility
Available: Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking. Not confirmed: Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible viewing areas.
Vendors & traders
Vendor list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when show goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when show goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when show goes live
Dog friendliness
1/5
Dogs are welcome at this show, on a lead, across the outdoor showground.
Dogs allowed in:
- Outdoor areas (on a lead)
Dogs not allowed in:
- Near livestock
Restrictions are in place for the safety and comfort of all visitors and animals.
Notes
At the 2026 show dogs were welcome on the showground but had to be kept on a lead at all times. They were not allowed in the livestock areas or the Horticultural Marquee, and banned breeds were not permitted.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas by law.
Accessibility
Confirmed:
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Not confirmed:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Step-free access
- Accessible viewing areas
Notes
The showground is mostly grass, with some hard-standing routes. Every bank of toilets had accessible facilities at the 2026 show. At the 2026 show disabled parking was at the front of all four car parks, with a council-issued Blue Badge displayed, mobility scooters could be hired through Advanced Mobility, and carers could get a free Essential Companion Ticket.
Frequently asked questions
When is Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 2027?
The 2026 show was held on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August. The 2027 show is expected on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August 2027, to be confirmed by the show. The 2027 dates have not been announced yet, so check the show's website before you plan.
Where is Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show held?
At Turnpike Showground, near Motcombe in Dorset, on the road between Gillingham and Shaftesbury. The postcode is SP7 9PL. The showground covers 79 acres across four fields.
Where do I park, and are there shuttle buses?
In 2026 parking at the show was free, and free shuttle buses ran from both Gillingham and Shaftesbury on the days of the show. The postcode for the showground is SP7 9PL. 2027 arrangements have not been announced yet.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are bought online through the Buy Tickets button on the show's website. In 2026 a ticket was valid for either day, with a two-day ticket also available. 2027 prices have not been published yet. In 2026 carers could get a free Essential Companion Ticket when buying a ticket for a disabled visitor, and Agricultural Society members received passes before the show.
What time does the show open and close?
Opening and closing times for 2027 have not been published yet.
Can I bring my dog to Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show?
At the 2026 show, dogs were welcome but had to be kept on a lead at all times. They were not allowed in the livestock areas or the Horticultural Marquee, and banned breeds were not permitted on the showground. Check the show's website for 2027 rules.
Is Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show accessible for disabled visitors?
The showground is mostly grass, with some hard-standing routes. At the 2026 show every bank of toilets had accessible facilities, there was disabled parking at the front of all four car parks (a council-issued Blue Badge had to be displayed), and mobility scooters could be hired through Advanced Mobility. Carers could get a free Essential Companion Ticket.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
In 2026 visitors were welcome to bring their own food and drink, and food and drink were also sold around the showground. There were water points around the site and an ATM on site. Check the show's website for 2027 details.
Can I leave and come back, or bring a gazebo?
In 2026 you could leave and re-enter the show if gate staff stamped your hand as you went out, and gazebos and parasols were not permitted at the side of the Main Ring or Turnpike Ring.
How do I enter a class or competition?
Schedules and online entry links for each section are on the show's Compete page, under Exhibitors. Sections include cattle and sheep, light and heavy horses, driving, horticulture, homecraft, handicrafts and children's classes, art and photography, bees and honey, eggs and poultry, grain and fodder, classic vehicles and the tractor triathlon. Contact the Show Office with any questions.
How do I book a trade stand?
Apply through the online form linked from the show's Trade page. The application asks you to upload a risk assessment and a fire risk assessment, and templates for both are on the page. Stand prices are not published on the site.
Who runs the show, and can I become a member?
The show is run by Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, which raises money for education around agriculture and farming. Membership includes entry to the show, forward area car parking and use of the Members Enclosure overlooking the Main Ring; details are on the show's Membership page.
Is this your show?
This is a basic listing we've put together so visitors can find Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show. If you're on the committee, you can claim it — take control of the page, add your schedule, map and more.
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