Devon County Show returns - with nods to Van Gogh and the Titanic

Actor Martin Clunes will open the heavy horse festival later as the three-day Devon County show gets underway at Westpoint.

Pete’s Dragons, with its head office located in Exmouth, has been chosen as this year's charity - which is dedicated to providing timely, appropriate, and professional support to those affected by suicide

Lisa Moore, Devon County Show Manager, expressed her support for the farming community: “Mounting financial pressures, isolation, and societal expectations make the agricultural sector even more vulnerable.

The Devon County Show is the first major agricultural event of the year, and we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, social environment after a long, hard winter. Pete’s Dragons is a perfect match for our community, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”

John Ingram, South West Network Planner for National Highways, said: “We’re working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers advice to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.

“Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am over the three days when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as commuter and freight traffic.

“The A30 east and west of Exeter and A38 south of Exeter could also see increases in traffic, and drivers are advised to plan their travel routes in advance, and to keep up to date with the latest road conditions. Yellow signs will advise show visitors which route to take on the approaches to the show.”

What else can we expect this year?

Alpaca Café

This year there's also a new Alpaca Café, with a show spokesperson explaining: "Located in the Alpaca Ring, this unique café experience will offer visitors a chance to socialise alongside four charming alpacas. Twice a day, at 11am and 3pm, the ring will transform into a cafe complete with patio tables and chairs, accommodating up to 24 lucky guests per session. The stars of the show – Lakemoor Alpacas Ron, Hagrid, Sirius and Alby are friendly, inquisitive, and always ready for a snack. Guests will be invited to feed them nuts and carrots, while basking in their gentle company—and the experience can be captured on camera with alpaca selfies galore. "

VAN GOGH EXPERIENCE PREVIEW

For Devon County Show 2025 exhibition producers, Annerin Productions, have teamed up with, renowned Devon artist Anita Nowinska. Known for her big evocative paintings of nature, Anita will be live-painting a Van Gogh-inspired masterpiece across the three days of the Devon County Show. Visitors will have the chance to express their own personal interpretation of these works of art by dropping into the interactive art zone to paint or draw their own mini canvas to take home. There's more about the Van Gogh exhibition which heads to Westpoint in October here

EXETER’S TITANIC CONNECTION

Few people know that Exeter played a role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. Following the tragedy, the Titanic Relief Fund was established to support the families of those who perished. For years, donations—sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds—were processed through Exeter’s banks. One of these original relief cheques will be showcased alongside other fascinating artefacts from the world’s most famous ship. There's more about the Titanic exhibition, which heads to Westpoint in October here

NEW FEATURE THE GROWING HUB in Crafts & Flowers

A new space where amateur gardeners can pick up some hints and tips on growing flowers and vegetables from gardening expert Gemma Haigh, former silver medallist at Chelsea Flower Show

EXETER COLLEGE POP UP SALON AND SPA

Take the weight of your feet at this brand-new feature for 2025 – a pop-up beauty salon, manned by students from Exeter College. Choose from a manicure, a blow dry, or a head massage. On site, barbers will be available for cutting and grooming for men. 

200 years of the Modern Railway is being celebrated with South Devon Railway

A key attraction will be the magnificent 6430 steam locomotive which in its heyday was in service all over the West Country and Wales, including Plymouth and Exmouth Junction. As a result of the demise of steam engines in the 1930s, the locomotive was eventually put up for sale for scrap in 1964. It was purchased by the newly formed Dart Valley Railway at Buckfastleigh, now known as the South Devon Railway. Here it sat for many years as a source of spares for the other preserved locomotives, until it was purchased privately in 1989. It returned to operational use in 2003 and has been seen at many heritage railways across the country, but it now calls Buckfastleigh it’s home once again.Adding to the excitement, an original London double-decker will also be showcased. The bus is an iconic Routemaster from 1964 and worked various routes in London including as numbers 15, 165 and 159, regularly passing landmarks such as Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus. The bus was withdrawn from use in 2004, having given 40 years continuous service to the capital city. After being purchased by the South Devon Railway Trust, it is now enjoying retirement and a well-earned calmer pace of life in Devon.

Where can I find more details?

The Devon County Show's website can be found here