12.42°C The Five Parishes Show, a long-running traditional country show just outside Colchester, returns on Sunday 2 August 2026, marking its 90th event.
Held at Pete Tye Farm near Abberton, about 15 minutes from Colchester, the show began life as a simple flower show in 1926. While detailed records from the earliest years are limited, the Five Parishes Horticultural Society was affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society by 1939, and apart from a five-year pause during the Second World War, the show has taken place almost every year since.
Over the decades, the event has moved between different locations across the five parishes, including a 40-year stint on the Army ranges at Fingringhoe. It now has a permanent home on farmland near Peldon and continues to attract more than 2,000 visitors each year.
Despite the growth, the fundamentals have stayed the same. The show is run entirely by volunteers, operates as a non-profit event, and any money raised goes back into organising the following year’s show while also supporting local charities.
As Chair Kate Gladwin explains, “We are looking forward to celebrating our amazing milestone with friends both old and new. It’s a really great day out for all the family and provides excellent value for money.”
Many things around the show have changed since 1926. Treasurer Richard King notes that insurance once cost one shilling, whereas today it costs around £1,500, but the aim remains to keep the event a traditional country show with a strong local feel.
Main ring programme
The main ring entertainment runs from 11am to 5pm, with a packed afternoon programme organised by Naomi Tamblyn. Events include:
- M.A.D. BMX stunt display
- K&H Falconry with birds of prey
- Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps
- Tendring Dog Agility
- Musical Bales for dogs and their owners
Around the showground
Visitors will also find plenty happening around the showground, including craft stalls, a catering village, a competition marquee featuring horticultural, domestic and children’s classes, displays by the East Anglian Kite Fliers, as well as a Horse Show and Dog Show.
The event remains very much a community effort, with some committee members involved for 40 years or more, often followed by the next generation continuing the work.
Visiting
Pete Tye Farm, Peldon Road, Abberton, Colchester CO5 7PE
Sunday 2 August 2026, 11am to 5pm
Early bird tickets are £10 for adults and £4 for children aged 5 to 16, with under-5s going free.
On-the-day tickets are £12 for adults and £5 for children aged 5 to 16.
Parking and programmes are free.
More information, including schedules and tickets, can be found at 5parishesshow.org.uk
