Set in the heart of West Berkshire, Newbury Showground is a well-known venue that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. From traditional agricultural shows and trade exhibitions and community festivals, the showground plays an important role in the local events calendar. Its countryside setting offers plenty of space for large outdoor events while still being easily accessible from Newbury town centre and the M4 motorway.

Whether you are planning to attend as a visitor or exhibit as a trader, understanding what Newbury Showground offers can help you make the most of your day. In this guide, we explore the types of events held there, key visitor information, and practical considerations for those planning to exhibit. Let our guide help you feel organised and get ready for the day ahead.

What Is Newbury Showground? 

Newbury Showground is a large multi-purpose events venue situated in the West Berkshire countryside, just outside the market town of Newbury. Known for hosting agricultural shows such as the famous Newbury Show, plus trade events and seasonal fairs, the site offers extensive open space that can accommodate both large outdoor gatherings and high visitor numbers. Its rural setting gives events a traditional countryside atmosphere while still remaining convenient for visitors travelling from nearby towns and cities.

The showground is easily accessible by car, with good road links connecting it to Newbury and the M4. Drivers need to turn off at Junction 13 on the M4/A34 interchange to reach the showground. For visitors using public transport, Newbury railway station provides connections to Reading and London, with onward travel by taxi or local transport options. On site, there is ample parking available during events, with disabled parking available too for blue badge holders.

Major Events Held at Newbury Showground

One of the biggest events held at the Newbury Showground is the Newbury Show. It’s regarded as one of the leading county events in the country and takes place across two days in September. Staying true to its heritage, it celebrates farming and rural life in the Berkshire region, highlighting everything from livestock and agricultural machinery to artisan goods and food. Education remains at the heart of the event, with a strong focus on promoting understanding of countryside traditions and farming practices.

The Newbury Show provides an enjoyable day out for visitors of all ages. Alongside impressive displays and competitive classes, there’s also a food hall and a dedicated craft marquee. Visitors can also take part in interactive activities, and be entertained by the Lawn Mower Racing and displays from the BoldDog Motorbike Team.

Other major events include the West Berkshire Classic Car Club Annual Show, Alfie’s Truck Show, and the Retro Show which focuses on the style and music from the 1930s to the 1950s. This lively retro weekend offers entertainment for all ages, including fairground rides, lively tea dances and an eye-catching burlesque cabaret performance.  

Planning to Exhibit at Newbury Showground

Exhibiting at Newbury Showground can be a valuable opportunity for traders. For example, data from the last Newbury Show showed that 32,000 visitors attended, with visitors spending an average of £115 each across the many stalls and stands exhibiting at the fair. 

So whether you sell handmade crafts, have a food stall or a specialised exhibition stand, it’s worth making your mark and claiming your exhibition space as the venue attracts visitors from across Berkshire and beyond. However, careful planning is essential to ensure your experience runs smoothly from start to finish.

The first step is securing your pitch or exhibition space well in advance, as popular events often fill slots quickly. It’s also important to understand the event setup requirements, including power supply and equipment needs. The showground team can be reached by call or email, and they have a specialist trade support team to help you get a pitch space and promote your business. 

It’s also worth considering if you have all the necessary insurance and risk assessments in place for your stand, as health and safety should also be a priority especially for stalls selling perishable products. Finally, planning your arrival time and unloading process to set up your pitch will help reduce stress and allow you to focus on making the most of the event.

Visitor Information: Facilities, Parking and Accessibility

Newbury Showground offers a well-organised space for visitors attending events of all kinds. The venue provides a range of on-site amenities to make each visit comfortable and convenient, including clear signage, plentiful parking, and helpful staff to guide guests around the grounds. For those attending with children or family members, dedicated facilities ensure everyone can enjoy the day, from accessible toilets to rest areas. Many shows, including the Newbury Show, also offer discounted tickets if you buy your tickets before the event. So if attending with family or friends, you can save a lot of money through pre-booking.

Food and drink options are plentiful, with a variety of vendors offering local produce and refreshments to suit all tastes. Visitors can also bring their own picnic to enjoy during the show, with plenty of grassy areas available for seating. While there are a small number of benches scattered throughout the site, most guests make use of the open green spaces to relax and take a break.

Accessibility is carefully considered, with mobility scooters available to hire for most events, and there’s also free disabled parking located in the red and green car parks that does not need to be pre-booked. Just make sure that your blue badge is clearly visible. 

Why Local Storage Can Support Exhibitors at Newbury Showground

Exhibiting at Newbury Showground often requires careful planning, not just for the day of the event but for managing equipment and stock in between shows. Traders frequently need a place to store gazebos, tables, signage and other display materials, especially when these items take up significant space at home. 

Storage solutions such as short-term, or self-storage can provide a practical solution, helping exhibitors keep their stock safe and organised while avoiding overcrowded garages or cluttered living areas.

Short-term storage in Newbury can be particularly useful during busy seasons when multiple events take place in quick succession. It offers flexibility to access items when required, ensuring that everything is ready for each show without adding stress to your schedule.

For those who prefer a hands-off but professional approach, We Pack & Store is a reliable storage company that offers a service where they can collect your belongings, store them securely at competitive prices and return them when needed. This allows you to focus on presenting a professional stand, knowing that your equipment and stock are safely stored and accessible when needed.

Conclusion

Newbury Showground offers a unique and vibrant setting for both visitors and exhibitors, combining the charm of the West Berkshire countryside with the excitement of large-scale events. Whether you are attending to explore the Newbury Show, enjoy classic car displays or musical weekends, the venue provides plenty of amenities to make the day enjoyable.

For traders and exhibitors, careful planning is key to making the most of each event. Booking pitches in advance, organising stock and display materials, and understanding setup requirements will help ensure a smooth experience. 

So whether you are visiting or exhibiting, Newbury Showground provides a welcoming environment. Just remember that with the right preparation, you can make your visit a memorable and stress-free day for everyone involved.