Looking back at the history of the Hadleigh Show in it’s 179th year

Flower arranging at the Hadleigh Show in May 1974 (Image: Archant)

The Hadleigh show is organised by the Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association and is an event that brings the whole town together and attracts visitors from all around.

Competitors in the Dog Show at Hadleigh Show in May 1966 (Image: Archant)

Hadleigh Farmers Club was established in December 1839 “to promote the cause of agriculture by the discussion of subjects, and disseminating of information relative to its practice”.

Youngsters at The Hadleigh Show in May 1981 (Image: Archant)

Only a year before, the Royal Agricultural Society was established to try and rescue British farming from the agricultural depression bedevilling the early decades of the 19th Century.

Hadleigh Show in May 1971 (Image: Archant)

Its formation must be seen against the background of agricultural development of the time.

Rabbit exhibitors pictured at the 1969 Hadleigh Show. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The Hadleigh Farmers Club held shows and gave prizes to encourage and promote good farming.

Hadleigh show in May 65 (Image: Archant)

Have you attend many Hadleigh Show in it’s history or can you spot yourself or do you recognise anyone pictured in this gallery?