Village Show
Description:
Village show at the Grange and Grange Hall where locals can enter produce and home made items in various categories. Also providing food and local artisans stalls, children entertainment and information about the village.
Date: 6 September 2026
Address: Vicarage Ln, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham NG12 2FB
Event URL: https://rot-community.com/village-show
Start time: 12:00
History:
The village show is an old established event around Radcliffe on Trent!
Thousands of visitors would pour into Radcliffe on Trent for the annual village fete and gala during the 1950s. Traditionally held on August Bank Holiday Monday, celebrities from the period would open the show and also judge various categories. Vegetables, flowers, cakes and scones, jams and jellies all were on offer with cups and certificates being awarded. Attractions such as Punch and Judy, skittling for a live pig, children’s sports, veteran’s races for the over 40s, miniature railway, horse and pony rides and balloon races were all on offer. You could also find beauty competitions such as shapely ankles or outdoor girls where girls were judged on their beauty, physique and appearance. Unfortunately, there is no record of a local girl winning these competitions.
Refreshments on sale included a variety of sandwiches (actually only cheese and salmon spread!), fruit cake and of course lots of cups of teas.
At the end of the show, produce would be sold off. They were held on the extensive grounds behind the British Legion stretching up to the bypass.
Mr Elwin from Hartwell House (now demolished) also lent his fields to ensure there was space for everyone. 5000 people were recorded as attending the 1950 show but the village excelled itself in 1952 when a record number of visitors came, 10,000. A fancy dress parade together with decorated vehicles would proceed through the village led by a local silver band and the show would then be declared open by the celebrity of the day. People such as Derrick De Marney, Guy Middleton, Major Draper (also known as the Mad Major due to his daring flying exploits) and the Duke of Devonshire. In the evening, dancing would be held on the lawn in the front of the British Legion Hall.
FAQ:
IS THE EVENT FREE TO ATTEND?
It costs £3 per person. It is partially funded by the Parish Council and supported by donations from local businesses, and all the money raised from entries also help us make sure we can provide great attractions and stalls for the community to enjoy.
IS THERE FOOD AND DRINK?
Yes, we always have a variety of food stalls who offers drinks too. We always choose suppliers that are able to provide vegetarian options.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PARK?
There is no parking available on-site at the Grange, but you can easily park at the Health Centre car park next to us.
We strongly encourage local residents to walk to the village show. It's the greenest, easiest way to get here!
IS THE SITE ACCESSIBLE FOR WHEELCHAIRS AND PRAMS?
Yes, the grounds are fully accessible as well as the Grange Hall. The Grange entrance has a step but is typically not used for village show displays, only for local groups stalls. Please contact us if you plan to attend with a wheelchair and want to access the grange and we'll make sure we are prepared to place the ramp as needed.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY RUBBISH?
We love our grounds and want to keep it looking beautiful. While there are bins on-site, they fill up incredibly fast at large events. Please help our wonderful volunteer tidy-up crews by bagging up
your litter and taking your rubbish home with you to recycle. Let’s leave the place spotless!
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Well-behaved four-legged friends on leads are very welcome to join the fun! As the show will be very busy, please just ensure your dog is comfortable with crowds and that you clear up after them.
And there's a dog show that you can enter as well if you'd like!
WILL THERE BE TOILETS ON-SITE?
Yes! There are large toilets indoors in the Grange Hall and they will be available for the whole duration of the event.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BRITISH WEATHER LETS US DOWN?
Fingers crossed for good weather and some sunshine! However, the party will go ahead in light rain—so pack an umbrella just in case. If truly severe weather is forecast that causes a safety concern, we will post urgent updates right here on the website and across our social media channels.