Agricultural shows
It has been estimated that over 6.5 million people visit agricultural shows annually. Following the success of Jeremy Clarkson’s TV Series “Clarkson’s Farm” we may well see an increase on this figure both this year and next!
While most of these agricultural shows, often referred to as County Shows, came into existence in the 1700’s and 1800’s as social events for farmers to promote the very best of their livestock and crops they had by the 1960’s become much more and today they have grown to combine those original activities with wider countryside pursuits and leisure. Not forgetting to mention a wide range of exciting competitive activities related to agriculture and forestry!
When and where are Agricultural shows held?
Some of the smaller and more localised shows do feature in the first few months of each year but the main agricultural show season really begins in May with big ones such as the Devon County Show usually taking place in the middle of May through to July with The Royal Welsh Show usually taking place towards the end of that month. That said there are many smaller shows taking place throughout August and September.
Exhibiting at County and Agricultural Shows
Looking back to the 1960’s and 70’s most of those booking exhibition space at shows were directly connected to agriculture including the likes of machinery manufacturers, seed and grain merchants and agrochemical companies (who were not subject to so much vilification those days!). Most would turn up and display their products in traditional marquees.
As time passed the limitations tented structures became ever more apparent generating a move in the 1980’s towards the use of exhibition trailers. These exhibition trailers ranged in size from small three-metre car towable units to 3500 kgs trailers offering a length of seven metres and towable by 4×4’s.
As these appeared on showgrounds the race was on to increase their effectiveness by building in the ability to enlarge them on site via slide-out pods and gull wing extensions. Some with stairs leading up to roof viewing galleries. This certainly was the beginning of the golden age for exhibition trailers and during those good times companies could even afford to invest in full articulated exhibition trailers at 12 metres (now regulations allow for 13.6 metre)
Moving into the 21st century the introduction of ever more legislative Regulations (most originating from our membership of the European Union) covered Driving Licences, Tachographs and Operators Licenses have combined to encourage a move away from exhibition trailers to exhibition vehicles.
Exhibition vehicles at County and Agricultural shows
At Multi Vehicle Technology we have seen a significant move away from the traditional 3500 kgs trailer format with a preference for the use of 3500 kgs chassis cabs plus much interest in van conversions. Both formats of vehicle are ideal for exhibiting purposes. What is more, they can be driven on standard car licenses and there is no requirement for tachographs which severely restrict the working hours of the driver.
As you walk around the showgrounds this year and for the near future you will see more of these vehicles being used for exhibition purposes as well as replacing the traditional catering trailers!
A shop window for farming
We are pleased to know that our range of promotional vehicles are being used to support farming, the countryside, and a rural way of life at county shows and agricultural shows throughout the length and breadth of the country. Farmers, rural businesses, and the Shows themselves have had to adapt to changing times and similarly too, exhibitors have needed to change how they exhibit.
The benefits of visiting an agricultural show
The cost of visiting a show is not cheap. This year (2024) the Royal Highland Show is charging £15 for parking and an adult ticket is a further £42. In comparison, the cost of a ticket to see Taylor Swift perform for a couple of hours at Wembley Stadium starts at £723 so, not wishing to be biased, the entrance to the Royal Highland Show is, without doubt, terrific value for money!!
For this small investment, the visitor can:
- Discover new developments in a range of industries.
- Discuss the latest trends in a wide range of markets and commodities.
- Network with existing business contacts and make new ones and make sales.
- Have fun with all the family allowing children to see first-hand the best of local farming and the countryside.
- Ability to listen to and speak with leading experts on a wide range of topics including business, nutrition, machinery, and renewable energy, all on the same day.
- Shop until you drop and choose from a wide range of goods and clothing that are unavailable on the high street.
- Sample new healthier and more nutritious foods and products.
And much much more!
Multi Vehicle Technology
At Multi Vehicle Technology Ltd we specialise in in the design and build of bespoke exhibition vehicles. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to craft unique and individual vehicles for our clients.
Each vehicle is created to meet the specific requirements of a client, reflecting our forward-thinking approach and meticulous attention to detail along with our commitment to innovation which ensures we have the wherewithal to install, where required, the latest and most advanced technology.
In addition to exhibition vehicles, we also specialize in constructing catering vehicles, sampling vehicles, mobile shops, security vehicles, cash-in-transit vans, mobile surveillance vehicles, incident response units, and incident command vehicles. Our expertise also extends to mobile libraries, outreach vehicles, gaming vans, and a variety of other specialist van conversions.
Agricultural shows are an important part of rural life and provide the opportunity for the wider agricultural community to get together to display their talents, their produce and their passion for what they do and how they live. We are proud to play our small part in this whole endeavour.
For more information about exhibition vehicles please contact us on 0116 326 0989 or email us at sales@multivehicletechnology.co.uk
We look forward to discussing how we can satisfy your promotional requirements, however demanding they may be.
