Marlborough A&P Show Celebrates 150 Years

Honouring our region’s past. Cultivating its future.

Excitement is mounting in the Marlborough region as the 150th Marlborough A&P Show draws closer. That the show has reached this tremendous milestone is thanks to the local community which has supported it so enthusiastically throughout the decades. The event has only been cancelled three times, twice during World War II and once during the Covid pandemic.

This year is even more special as it is also commemorating the building of the Sheep Pavilion a century ago, one of only two remaining such heritage buildings in the country. As if that is not enough for celebration, the annual Royal Equestrian Show is also taking place with competitors arriving from around New Zealand along with the South Island Friesian Show.

A Category 2 Historic Place, the Sheep Pavilion is in need of urgent repair and the A&P Show will be an opportunity for visitors contribute to the main fundraising restoration project of purchasing the cost of a sheet of iron to be used in the restoration. The building is a multi-purpose one, also used by other organisations such as the Sunday Farmers’ Market and Marlborough Football.

This year’s A&P show sees a reduction in the cost of attending. Tickets for adults are $10 each, there is no charge for children under fifteen. There are many free activities available for families, including a dedicated children’s area with live entertainers, fun activities and a petting zoo.

With the likes of the latest agricultural machinery on show, many local businesses in attendance, the fire brigade, traditional fair rides, more food stalls than ever before and a huge array of craft makers occupying two large tents, there is something for everyone. The live entertainment includes pipe bands. It is just as well the show is on for the whole weekend with so much to see and experience.

The range of ever popular classes available to enter for adults and children is substantial and includes horse and pony sections, poultry, sheep, photography, cooking and a range of crafts. Dog trials will take place along with wood chopping and sheep shearing. Children can enter their pets in competitions and the popular terrier race will take place including terrier cross-breeds.

To honour and celebrate the Marlborough A&P Association’s history, there will be a display of memorabilia. Be sure to put this event firmly on your calendar as it will be one not to be missed.

Marlborough 150th A&P Show

Saturday 4 November - Sunday 5 November 2023

(Royal Equestrian Show 3 November)

marlboroughshow.co.nz