Orkney's Agricultural Show Season

Orkney's agricultural show season sits at the heart of summer in the islands. Six shows in total make up the calendar, ranging from Sanday in the north isles to South Ronaldsay and Burray in the south. It all culminates in the County Show at the Bignold Park in Kirkwall on the 11th of August.

The shows have a special atmosphere of their own, with the serious business of livestock judging sharing a stage with food, drink and funfairs. You'll see the best of Orkney's cattle, sheep, horses, goats, poultry, pets and dogs, as well as the industrial show displays of home produce, flowers, decorations, photography and much more.

The smaller shows in Sanday, Shapinsay, the East Mainland and South Ronaldsay and Burray bring a sense of community and are excellent reasons to take a ferry trip or a drive out to the country. The West Mainland show in Dounby and the County Show are different beasts though! They're bigger and busier, with stalls, games and performances on offer, and have become fun-filled days for all the family.

There really is nothing else like it so be prepared (bring sun-cream, a rain-jacket and wellies - just incase!) and sample the sights, sounds and smells of show season!

Orkney's 2018 show season dates

Sanday Agricultural Show - 3rd August
East Mainland Agricultural Show - 4th August
Shapinsay Agricultural Show - 7th August
South Ronaldsay and Burray Agricultural Show - 8th August
West Mainland Agricultural Show - 9th August
County Show - 11th August