Kingsbridge Show to celebrate 70 years at Borough Farm this year

This year, Kingsbridge Show is celebrating its 70th anniversary of being hosted by the Smaridge family at Borough Farm. 

Kingsbridge Show first came to Borough Farm in 1954 and has been held in the same field next to Stumpy Post Roundabout for the last seven decades. 

An early show at Borough Farm - credit the Smaridge Family

The show began life closer to the town, at what is now Kingsbridge Rugby Club at High House, but when it grew, they needed a larger place to hold it. This is when Major Luscombe of Luscombe Maye Estate Agents approached Alfred Smaridge to host the show at Borough. 

Alfred is the grandfather of the current Kingsbridge Show President and Borough Farm patriarch, Richard Smaridge. Richard’s dad Tom was Show President in 2000, and the tradition has continued through the generations. 

Angela and Richard's three children L-R: Simon, Emily and James - credit the Smaridge Family 

Richard, along with his wife Angela, explained that Kingsbridge Show was the main show that the farmers could attend, with it being in September and after they had finished harvesting. This meant it was a firm local favourite and a great way for everyone involved in farming to meet and socialise. From there it grew and grew. 

“It used to be one ring and people used to park around the edge”, Richard explained, “Now it’s four or five fields and we welcome thousands of people.”

One of the early Kingsbridge Shows with cars parked around the showring - credit the Smaridge Family 

In the last 70 years only two years have been cancelled. One during Covid in 2020 and one when the show fell on the same day as Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. It even kept running through the Foot and Mouth crisis, albeit without the cows and sheep, and it is continuing to go from strength to strength. 

The Smaridges took over the farm in 1916, starting with Mary and John, Alfred’s parents, and now Richard and Angela’s two sons, Simon and James, are raising the sixth generation, Arla, Thomas, Stanley, Darcey, Esther (and a new little one that should have arrived by the time of this years’ show) on the same land. Their daughter Emily is also expecting her first baby at her home in South Milton. 

Mary and John Smaridge (seated), with sons Alfred (left) and John (right) - credit the Smaridge Family

Helen Baker, Show Secretary, said: “The showground at Borough has to be one of the best locations for a country show in Devon, and we are extremely fortunate that the Smaridge family are so accommodating in letting us use their farmland to put on this very popular event." 

Richard and Angela will be on site judging the trade stands and presenting the prizes on Saturday, 7 September, and say they are “looking forward to welcoming everyone, celebrating 70 years at Borough Farm and having a great show!” 

You can find out more about Kingsbridge Show on the website: www.kingsbridgeshow.co.uk and plan your next visit. Remember that Tally Ho! are running a shuttle bus from Kingsbridge Quay throughout show day. 

A more recent Kingsbridge Show at Borough Farm - credit the Smaridge Family