Families were treated to showjumping, extreme bike stunts, and vintage tractor displays as the annual Bowes Show returned to County Durham.
Hundreds flocked to Lowfield Farm on Saturday (August 15) to celebrate farming and rural life with livestock competitions, adrenaline pumping displays, and plenty of local food and drink.
The event, which was first established in 1869, usually takes place in September but was moved forward to avoid the more unpredictable weather.
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The show also had a new home, moving to a new farm on the outskirts of Bowes that is “more accessible” than the previous venue at Holme Farm.
This year’s event featured livestock competitions featuring more than 12 native and traditional breeds of sheep and a display of vintage tractors and agricultural machinery.
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
There were also horse and pony showjumping and classes, where competitors of all ages took to the ring across the day to show off their skills.
Visitors were also treated to some amazing displays and demonstrations, including the Xtreme Trials bike stunt display, a sheepdog and duck display, and a falconry display.
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
There was even a chance to meet some alpacas.
To keep all the family entertained, including the youngsters, there was a free circus skills session, a bouncy castle, a Total Wipeout inflatable, and a fun dog show.
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bowes Show 2026
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
And, of course, Bowes Show would not be complete without an array of local crafts and trade stands, offering delicious food and drink.
The horticultural and industrial marquee also opened at 1pm for visitors to enjoy an incredible showcase of everything from homegrown produce and flowers to home baking.
Visitors were also treated to some music from Helen Dunn followed by a disco until late.