Suffolk Show returns to Ipswich Trinity Park this week – here’s everything you need to know
The ever-popular Suffolk Show returns makes its triumphant return this week with more than 100 free activities for families to enjoy.
Visitors to Ipswich’s Trinity Park will be welcomed by state-of-the-art farming machinery, a giant robot, a food and drink experience hosted by Adnams and a parachute display, among other events.
There will also be a number of competitions and exhibitions, including a Shetland Pony Grand National.
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the event.
When?
Doors open at 7am today and last entry will be at 7pm.
The festivities return for day two tomorrow with doors also opening at 7am, with last entry at 5.30pm.
Tradestands will be open from 8.30am to 6pm on both days.
Wristbands will be given at all three entrances to the park, and parents will be able to write their contact details on them in case a child gets lost.
Dogs are welcome, provided they are on a lead, but are not permitted in to the Ringside Club or Adnams Food and Drink Experience.
How much are tickets?
Adult admission costs £30, while over-65s get reduced entry for £25.00.
Tickets for teens aged 15 to 18 cost £11 while under-15s can go free.
In addition, tickets can be used on either day, but will only be valid for one day, although members of the Suffolk Agricultural Association can get entry for both days.
Tickets for the show can be purchased here.
How can I get there?
Drivers should keep note of the yellow signs pointing to the entrances to Trinity Park from Felixstowe Road.
For train users, a shuttle bus will run from Ipswich train station to Trinity Park.
In addition, buses, numbered 23, will run services from the train station and Tower Ramparts. The timetable can be found here. Coaches will also drop off passengers at the entrance off Felixstowe Road.
There is also a dedicated cycle lane outside gate one, at Felixstowe Road, and a taxi drop-off point in Murrills Road.
What events are there?
More than 100 free activities, including the Adnams Food and Drink Experience, the Sports Zone and the Farm Discovery Zone are among the attractions on offer for 2023.
These will offer the chance to connect with animals, enjoy sporting activities or watch performances.
Activities include experiencing ‘the journey of the humble pea’ in Farming Live; the chance to learn animal first aid; watching the British Army’s Red Devils or the RAF Falcons Display Team parachute into the Collins Grand Ring; or sit down and have a picnic and listen to live music.
In addition, the Suffolk Skills Zone will allow visitors to pick up a trade for a day, such as a forensic scientist or virtual welder, get their nails done or enjoy virtual reality.
The Sports Village also allows visitors to enjoy a series of sports, including football, croquet, cricket, American football and lacrosse.
The Emergency Services Zone will allow visitors to learn skills with the county’s emergency crews, including police, fire and ambulance teams.
As it is Suffolk, families can also climb aboard or view top-notch farming equipment.
If that isn’t enough, stalls will be present selling a variety of goods from across the county, including food and drink.
A full list of activities can be found here.
What time are the big events?
The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team’s jump will take place at 5pm on Wednesday, while The Red Devils will take the plunge at 4.15pm on Thursday.
The Grand Parade, which shows off the UK’s best livestock, will kick off at 4.15pm on day one, and 3.15pm on day two.
Show jumping takes place at 8.30am, 12.15pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, and 9am and 1.15pm on Thursday.
Thrill-seekers can also watch FMX and Freestyle Motocross at 10.15am and 2.15pm on day one, and 10.15am and 12.45pm on day two.
Also, the Shetland Pony Grand National takes place twice each day, at 1.30pm and 3.45pm on Wednesday, and midday and 2.45pm on Thursday.
A full events time-table can be found here.
