Farmers Guide joins forces with Stonham Barns Park for two exciting country shows 

Stonham Barns Park, one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations, has teamed up with Farmers Guide, the UK’s leading monthly farming magazine, to enhance two of its forthcoming shows. 

The Steam & Vintage Show will take place on Sunday 19th May, while the Land Rover Show will be held on Sunday 6th October.  

This new partnership is based on the mutual countryside interest and heritage surrounding traction engines, vintage tractors, vehicles and 4x4s.  The event is free to attend.

Beneficial partnership

Stonham Barns Park is well-known across East Anglia as a leading show venue. It has combined with Farmers Guide’s reach of over 90,000 monthly farm readers and over 50,000 online followers, making for a much-consolidated show attendance.  

Lily Wakeling of Stonham Barns Park events team said: “Farmers Guide supported our first Land Rover Show last year and really added to the attendance and content of the show.  It was after the show we realised that a partnership covering the two rural shows we put on would be beneficial to both parties. 

“We have put together a working partnership, which we hope will make the best of all the opportunities available from these two shows.  We very much appreciate the support of the magazine and look forward to working in close association with them moving forwards.” 

Honouring past, present and future of agricultural machinery 

Farmers Guide marketing manager K.M Sharp added that Farmers Guide and Stonham Barns are both long-established Suffolk businesses known for championing the rich heritage and vibrant culture of rural life.  

She said: “Through our partnership, we aim to celebrate the traditions of farming and showcase the history, innovation and dedication of those within the agricultural community. 

“Together, we’re excited to bring unforgettable experiences to farmers and enthusiasts alike at the upcoming Steam and Vintage Show in May, followed by the Land Rover show later in October.  

“Similar to our magazine, join us in honouring the past, present, and future of agricultural machinery, while enjoying an unbeatable day out at these extraordinary events.” 

 Day out for local families 

The Steam & Vintage Show will showcase historic traction engines, steam rollers and other exhibits such as tractors, stationary engines, agricultural and construction vehicles, vintage motorcycles and bicycles, as well as wood and metal craft and much more. 

This year the organisers are promising new features to make it a day out for local families. 

A dog and duck trials demo combined with a tractor parade, axe and wellie throwing, archery, and morris dancing will attract country-loving visitors while live music from the high-energy acoustic band Lincoln Skins will complete the weekend’s entertainment.  

Faith, a popular traction engine owned by Natal Taylor, will also be appearing at this year’s show. 

The 1916 engine was built by Wallis and Steevens Ltd. It was located in Lavenham, where it had fallen into decay before Mr Taylor restored it back to its former glory. He has been steaming with it for over 50 years. 

More vintage elements than ever before

There will also be a collection of scale steam engines on display, as well as demonstrations in the show ring. During the weekend, the vehicles will be parked in an area for the public to view more closely, giving visitors the chance to examine them and talk to the owners. 

Josh Forward of Stonham Barns Park said: “There’s nothing like a steam show to bring in the crowds, and we are planning for a special show this year introducing more vintage elements than ever before.   

“The rural content of the show will be enhanced this year as our tractor exhibits and country pursuits draw more and more followers each year. We are hoping to encourage the Young Farmers Clubs from in and around Suffolk to come along and join in too. 

“We will be showcasing some extra special vehicles from the agricultural and construction sectors so that the day is both entertaining and educational.  The vehicles from our past can teach us so much. It will be like a step back in time, and who doesn’t love to witness something retro occasionally? 

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated historic transport owners here in the county of Suffolk, which makes this day one like no other. The sights, sounds and activities of the day will make this an outing for all the family.” 

A range of food and drink outlets will be available on the showground with outdoor and indoor seating. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. 

For more information visit Stonham Barns Park website or call 01449 711 111. 

The Land Rover Show 

The Land Rover Show happening in October will build on the success of the debut show from 2023. 

It will showcase classic, modified and new Land Rovers, featuring the Suffolk Land Rover Club and an off-road driving experience to demonstrate the manoeuvrability, resilience and handling of the 4x4s attending the show. 

Read more about the show here. Find more interesting events in our events hub.