The Lincolnshire Showground, located about four miles north of Lincoln city centre near North Carlton, is one of the county’s most prominent event venues. It serves as the headquarters of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, which was founded in 1869. Originally, the Lincolnshire Show moved around the county, visiting towns like Skegness, Louth, and Scunthorpe. In 1959, the society established a permanent base at the current site, where the annual show has been held ever since.
The showground spans approximately 270 acres and includes a wide range of facilities suitable for outdoor and indoor events. One of its central buildings is the EPIC Centre, an environmentally friendly exhibition and conference space opened in 2008. The site also includes livestock rings, equestrian arenas, open fields, and infrastructure that supports events of all scales. Free parking for thousands of vehicles and multiple access gates make it a practical location for large gatherings.
Its flagship event is the Lincolnshire Show, a two-day celebration of rural life, food, and agriculture held each June. Attracting around 60,000 visitors annually, the show features livestock and equine competitions, trade stands, cooking demonstrations, horticultural exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment including stunt shows and the popular Shetland Pony Grand National. The 2025 edition marked the 140th Lincolnshire Show.
Beyond the main event, the showground hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year, including music concerts, fireworks displays, food festivals, dog shows, equestrian events, charity runs, antique fairs, and more. Artists such as Elton John, Simply Red, and Lionel Richie have performed there, cementing its reputation as a major entertainment venue.
Run by a charitable organisation, the Lincolnshire Showground channels its profits back into educational and community-focused initiatives, supporting the region’s agricultural roots while providing a vibrant space for events of all kinds.
Photos courtesy of Visit Lincoln and Visit Lincolnshire.
