Organisers of the British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast — and it’s looking good for the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October.
This year’s prestigious event will be held on farmland near Allesley, Coventry, generously provided by the Brandreth Family and Sir Thomas White’s Charity. With fine weather predicted, a record turnout of visitors is expected for what promises to be an unforgettable countryside celebration.
Over 250 ploughmen and women from across Great Britain will descend on the site, showcasing their skills with a wide range of equipment — from modern tractors with conventional and reversible ploughs to vintage models, and of course, the ever-popular heavy horses.
A special highlight of the weekend will be the 17 pairs of heavy horses taking part in the ploughing — some in traditional brass-adorned harnesses and others in working tack, evoking the timeless rhythm of farming from a bygone era. In stark contrast, visitors will also be able to see the very latest in agricultural machinery on display.
There’s something for everyone at the festival — including giant steam ploughing engines, vintage machinery exhibits, trade stands, crafts, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. And in a truly one-of-a-kind feature for this year only, a Chieftain tank will demonstrate its surprising versatility by pulling a plough!
Sue Frith, Chief Executive of the Society of Ploughmen, which organises the event, says the Championships offer more than just competitive ploughing: “There’s something to enjoy for everyone — whether or not you’re into farming. Farmers come for the machinery and skills on show, grandparents enjoy the nostalgia of vintage tractors and horse-drawn ploughs, and children get a rare glimpse into 200 years of farming history. With the forecast looking fantastic, it’s shaping up to be a truly spectacular weekend.”
The site is easy to access, located just off the A45 between Allesley and Corley Moor (postcode: CV5 9DG).
For more information, visit www.ploughmen.co.uk or follow the Society of Ploughmen on Facebook and Twitter/X.