The show must go on – with council taxpayers’ help

A sponsorship deal worth almost £70,000 has been agreed to secure the future of the Lincolnshire Show.

Lincolnshire County Council has agreed to be a corporate sponsor of the show for 2026 through a deal with Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS).

The Society has identified potential financial pressures with rising running costs and the need for costly maintenance and repairs. Elsewhere in the country, other similar agricultural shows have had to stop or scale back their events due to cost pressures like these. 

The sponsorship of £67,600 has been agreed to support the LAS and to ensure the Lincolnshire Show can go on for many more years, according to Leader Cllr Sean Matthews.

“The council has had a presence at the Lincolnshire Show for many years and I feel that it’s important to support this key event in the county calendar.

“We go to the Show to give residents the chance to speak to their local councillors and find out about how our services can help them. We also give visitors to the area a flavour of things to see and do in Lincolnshire and encourage them to come back for a longer visit.

“The Show is a wonderful celebration of Lincolnshire, our heritage and our continued importance in feeding the nation. By agreeing to sponsorship this year, we are not only contributing to the long-term future of the Show and the Agricultural Society, but also the businesses that they support.” 

Last year, a record-breaking 65,000 visitors attended Lincolnshire Show over the two days, generating around £12.5m for the local economy.

Charlotte Powell, Chief Executive of the LAS, said: "As a charity, we are incredibly proud of our iconic Lincolnshire Show, now in its 141st year. This event is a celebration of Lincolnshire, showcasing our heritage, entertainment, communities and support for local businesses. 

“With the backing of Lincolnshire County Council through this new sponsorship, we are dedicated to preserving the future of this historical event, which contributes approximately £12 million to our local economy each year. As costs rise, it's vital to come together as a community to support the businesses that rely on the Show. We are focused on ensuring the Lincolnshire Show remains a key part of our county for years to come. 

“We are grateful for Lincolnshire County Council’s commitment and support.”

Pictured above are Cllr Sean Matthews with LAS CEO Charlotte Powell.