Pictures: North Devon Show dodges the rain by a day as visitors flock to the showground

North Devon Show has enjoyed a second year of dry days and while the rain today (Thursday, August 7) didn’t help those packing up the showground at Umberleigh, for Wednesday’s thousands of visitors it was perfect show weather.

Tickets sales are still being counted up, but it is estimated upwards of 20,000 people made their way to the region’s premier agricultural show for a fun day out at the 59th annual instalment of the show.

Above: Plenty of new friends to be found at North Devon Show. Credit: Debbie Soden Photography

As ever, it was an opportunity to meet and greet hundreds of animals and the cattle and sheep livestock classes were well represented as farmers across the South West turned out to exhibit and compete their animals.

The equestrian section is also hugely well-represented, with horses of many breeds and all sizes competing at showing, showjumping, carriage driving and more.

Above and below: A packed and bustling showground at Umberleigh for North Devon Show 2025. Credit: Tim Cooke

Plus there was live music, entertainment in the main ring from Showman Jonathan Marshall, quad bike stunts, giant tortoises, a parade of livestock and Young Farmers Club games, just name a very few of the attractions.

Food courts, street food vendors, crafts, country pursuits and cute animals to meet and hold were among other regular show attractions for all ages.

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Show secretary Theresa Soanes said they had been ‘so blessed’ with the weather conditions.

She said: “The show directors were absolutely delighted to see the dry weather this year, which made our show build run ahead of schedule and have everything in place in good time for show day. 

“With the traffic management plan we put in place last year, this proved successful again in getting our visitors parked and onto the showground.

“We would like to thank everyone for joining us - we work so hard to keep our show a ‘traditional’ agricultural show with our livestock from around the region." 

Above: The heavy horse were especially popular. Credit: Debbie Soden Photography

Ms Soanes added: “We introduced the heavy horse meet and greet area this year, these horses are incredible, with one again the fabulous Sheep Show and its dancing sheep too!”

“It is our 60th year next year, so now we start planning for Wednesday, August 5, 2026.”

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**** See our gallery above for more pictures, courtesy of Debbie Soden Photography & Tim Cooke ****