Events & Entertainment | Posted on July 3rd, 2026 | return to news

Cheaper tickets available for Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

The government’s VAT cut on family activities means prices are reduced to attend this annual agricultural show.

The price to attend an entertaining annual agriculture show has just gotten cheaper.

Families heading to this summer’s two day Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show will benefit from reduced ticket prices, thanks to the government’s new Great British Savings scheme and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget update which lowers VAT to five per cent on family attractions and activities.

The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show takes place on 19 and 20 August at Turnpike Showground. Two jam-packed days of livestock competitions, rural crafts, countryside demonstrations, local food and drink and hands-on family fun. This year’s arena entertainment includes horseboarding, where horse, rider and mountainboarder compete in a daredevil slalom course.

Thanks to the VAT cut, adult day tickets are currently £17 instead of £20.

Show Organiser Cat Harris said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this reduction this summer. As one of Dorset’s most loved rural days out, we work hard to keep our entry prices competitive despite rising costs of putting on a show of this scale. Children under five go free and we also offer many free activities once people are in the showground, with over 30 fun and free things for families to enjoy. Picnics are welcome too if people want to save on costs of eating out.”

Tickets are available now via the official show website: www.gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk