This summer’s heatwave and lack of rain may have impacted the number of entries in the horticultural sections, but the children of the South Show parishes picked up the baton and bolstered entry numbers this year.
Organisers say there were around 1,000 entries across all of the exhibition competition categories for a second year running.
Numbers were down among some of the growers of St Peter Port, St Martin’s, St Andrew’s, and the Forest, said South Show President John Ogier, but he was really pleased with an apparent increase in entries from children in other classes.
“The South Show proved to be a great event again this year,” said Mr Ogier.
“I think the overall number of entries will prove to be similar to last at around 1,000, which is amazing considering the challenging heat and lack of rain for the crops.
“We do not have the exact numbers but I think it was slightly down in the horticulture section in numbers, but not in the quality of the exhibits.
“Judging from the entires in the children and arts and crafts sections there was an increase in these areas,” added Mr Ogier.
The children’s classes (pictured above) included the traditional ‘painted pebbles’ and ‘animals made from fruit and vegetables’ categories, alongside lego creations, art work, and much more.
The adult classes (pictured below) included categories for home-produced sloe gin, flower arranging, and baking, alongside home-grown vegetables and fruit.
Mr Ogier said the number of people attending the South Show is expected to be up on 2025 last year too based on the gate takings.
This adds to the resurgence of the Show over the past decade, after it had to move from the fields behind Les Camps due to falling entry and attendee numbers, to St Martin’s Primary School initially and then its current home at the Professor Shaw Community Centre.
Mr Ogier said newer events such as the fun dog show hosted by the GSPCA help draw in crowds, but this summer’s high temperatures did also affect that, he added.
“The greatest number attending came with the climax of the field events and live music at the Community Centre, particularly drawing the crowds on Saturday lunchtime/early afternoon,” he said.
“(GSPCA Manager) Steve Byrne reported that the Dog Show had gone well, though entries were down due to the hot weather.”
As the South Show team pack up and reflect on the success of the 2026 event, attention turns to Guernsey’s other summer shows.
The West Show is next – taking place this week, at the L’eree Showground, on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August.
The North Show brings the summer show season to a close, on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 August.
The Battle of Flowers takes place at Saumarez Park, during the North Show on Thursday 27 August.
The Donkey Derby is also held at Saumarez Park on Saturday 22 August, in between the West and North shows.
