Royal Agricultural Society introduces new Heritage Events
The Royal Agricultural Society has introduced R.A.S. Heritage Events, a growing programme of standalone events designed to celebrate agricultural, youth, craft and community traditions beyond the annual Royal Show.
The new initiative begins in the Society’s 175th commemorative year, a milestone that offers an opportunity to honour the organisation’s long history while also developing new ways for the public, exhibitors, breeders, clubs, societies and agricultural partners to connect with Tweedie Hall, Howick.
The first R.A.S. Heritage Events will take place in May and June 2026 and include the Royal Poultry Show, the Jerry Higham Rabbit Show, the KZN Youth Show, and the Honey & Crafts Festival.
These events are not replacements for the Royal Show. They are standalone Heritage Events, either hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society or hosted by valued partner organisations with the Society’s support.
The full Royal Agricultural Show remains the Society’s annual flagship event and will take place this year from 7–11 October 2026 at Tweedie Hall. Next year (2027) the Royal Agricultural Show will revert to its traditional winter dates in May. This year’s Royal Show is especially significant as the Society marks 175 years of agricultural heritage and prepares to present the first Royal Show at its new Tweedie Hall home.
The introduction of R.A.S. Heritage Events reflects the Society’s intention to build a broader calendar of meaningful events at Tweedie Hall. These events will allow different sections of the agricultural and rural community to be celebrated in focused ways throughout the year, while also giving visitors more opportunities to experience the venue.
The first events in the R.A.S. Heritage Events programme are:
Royal Poultry Show
29–31 May 2026
Hosted by the Natal and Coast Poultry Club
Supported by the Royal Agricultural Society
Jerry Higham Rabbit Show
29–31 May 2026
Hosted by the Natal Rabbit Club
Supported by the Royal Agricultural Society
KZN Youth Show
31 May 2026
Hosted by the KZN Youth Show
Supported by the Royal Agricultural Society
Honey & Crafts Festival
16 June 2026
Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society
Further R.A.S. Heritage Events are expected to follow, with possibilities including practical agricultural demonstrations, in-field equipment and machinery displays, and other focused events connected to the Society’s agricultural and community mandate.
The Royal Agricultural Society invites the public to support these first R.A.S. Heritage Events and to be part of a significant new chapter in the Society’s 175-year history.
Please note: R.A.S. Heritage Events are standalone events, and are not a replacement for the annual Royal Agricultural Show. The full Royal Agricultural Show takes place this year from 7–11 October 2026. Next year (2027) the Royal Agricultural Show will revert to its traditional winter dates in May.
