Orkney is famous for its agricultural shows which bring back absent Orcadians and attract visitors in great numbers.  Orkney Agricultural Society’s main event in the calendar is the County Show in Bignold Park in Kirkwall in August, attended by around 10,000 people – half the population of the county.

At this showcase, after more than a week of agricultural shows across Orkney, farmers come to parade their animals and hope for a show champion.  As well as cattle there are top quality horses, sheep, goats and poultry competing for awards.  After the shows, awards are handed out and celebrations get underway.  Later in the year the festivities continue at Harvest Homes across the county.

Orkney Agricultural Society is divided into local societies including Birsay, East Mainland, Orkney West Mainland, Sanday, Shapinsay and South Ronaldsay and Burray.  Local shows are: East Mainland, West Mainland at Dounby, Sanday, Shapinsay and the Hope Show.  There are also several horticultural societies which run their prize shows alongside the agricultural shows.

The shows are more than a day out for the farmers.  They are a huge draw for families who enjoy seeing the animals, catching up with friends, and browsing at stalls selling locally produced crafts and goods, food produce, and country clothing or chatting at the fundraising tents and entering their competitions and raffles, or viewing the latest farm implements for sale.  You'll normally find showjumping, dog trials, a fun fair, entertainment and food outlets at the shows too.  A great day out!

The evening of County Show day sees the culmination of the Parish Cup football competition, with the final being played out by the two parishes who have reached this stage over a couple of months of qualifying rounds.  It's always fiercely contested and draws a passionate crowd.