The historic showgrounds in Bathurst in the Eastern Cape will once again come alive with the sights and sounds of rural life when the annual show hosted by the Bathurst Agricultural Society takes place from 26 to 29 March 2026 – continuing a tradition that has been part of the region’s agricultural life for more than 170 years.
For generations, the show has served as a meeting point for farmers, local residents and visitors from across the province, celebrating agriculture while strengthening the ties between the surrounding rural communities and the town itself.
According to society president Anne White, that connection lies at the heart of the event.
“The show has always been about where town and country meet,” she says. “It is very much a community-driven event – by the community, for the community – and that is what has kept it going for generations.”
Established in 1848, the Bathurst Agricultural Society has been promoting farming in the district for more than a century and a half. The Bathurst Agricultural Show itself dates back to around 1850, making it one of the longest-running agricultural shows in the Eastern Cape.
Over the decades it has evolved from a traditional livestock and produce exhibition into a broader celebration of rural life, while remaining firmly rooted in the agricultural heritage of the region.
This year’s event also highlights a new partnership with Farmer’s Weekly, founded in 1911, and widely regarded as South Africa’s oldest magazine. For more than a century the publication has documented the successes, innovations and challenges of the country’s farming sector, bringing stories from rural communities to a national audience.
White says the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting agriculture at grassroots level.
“Farmer’s Weekly has played a vital role in telling the stories of agriculture across South Africa. Partnering with them helps us highlight the rich agricultural heritage of Bathurst and the surrounding communities, while also bringing those local stories to a wider audience.”
While the show remains a celebration of agriculture, this year’s event has not been without its challenges.
The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has had a significant impact on agricultural events across the country, and the Bathurst Show has had to adapt accordingly. Strict biosecurity protocols have been implemented, overseen by a biosecurity compliance officer from Hobson & Co, a respected local livestock agency.
As a result, there will be no stud cattle or traditional livestock display groups at this year’s event. Instead, the livestock component will focus on fat-stock competitions, with categories including big ox, fat cow, A-grade group and individual classes, big kapater, and fat lamb groups.
Despite these restrictions, organisers say the quality of animals entered has been exceptional.
“The standard of the competition stock this year is incredible,” says White. “We even have kapaters weighing around 120kg.”
FMD will also form the focus of one of several farming-related panel discussions during the show. This session will bring together farmers who have suffered losses due to the disease, alongside representatives from Agri Eastern Cape and the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, as well veterinary representatives, to discuss the impact of the outbreak and the challenges facing the livestock sector.
Other sessions will focus on the niche agri sectors for the area, including the highly significant pineapple farming component.
Beyond agriculture, however, the Bathurst Show remains firmly rooted in the local community.
Stands fully booked
Organisers say the level of support from residents and businesses has been remarkable, with all exhibition stands already fully booked.
Visitors can expect a wide variety of displays ranging from farming equipment and vehicles, to clothing, crafts, food and entertainment.
Popular attractions returning this year include the Woody Cape online game auction. A new addition to the programme, Cask & Cuisine, will showcase wines, gins and artisanal foods served at communal tables, with platters and meals prepared by local chef Ray Hanekom.
The arena programme will feature the Bathurst Horse Show along with a range of demonstrations and entertainment, including drone displays, classic cars, antique tractors and performances by local bands.
In a creative adaptation to the FMD restrictions, the traditional sheepdog demonstration will still take place, but instead of sheep, Indian runner ducks will be used.
“The Bathurst Show is an integral part of our town,” she says. “It’s something that farmers and townspeople alike feel deeply connected to,” says White.
More than 170 years after the agricultural society was first established, the Bathurst Show continues to honour its farming roots.
It also continues in a big way to embrace the evolving character of rural South Africa.
Issued on behalf of the Bathurst Agricultural Society.
