In our 175th anniversary year, it is worth looking again at an emblem we may sometimes take for granted. The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal’s Coat of Arms is, in miniature, a record of where the Society has come from — even as a new chapter begins at Tweedie.

On Saturday 10 October from 14h00, head to the Industrial & Chainsaw Demo Area for one of the loudest, fastest and most unusual spectacles of the 2026 Royal Show. STIHL and Husqvarna will be going head to head in a Chainsaw Racing competition presented by Industrial & Chainsaw.

When international rabbit judge Brian Platt steps up to the judging table at the 2026 Royal Show, it will mark another chapter in a story that, remarkably, began in Southern Africa almost six decades ago.

There are breeders whose names, animals and families become part of the fabric of a Show. For the Royal, the people behind tomorrow's Hatari Farming’s Platinum Auction are very much among them.

The KhakiBush BraaiBoss Challenge is coming to the Royal Show — and entries are open to Braai Bosses who know their way around a fire! There’s an opportunity for local businesses too: you can represent your company and bring fame to your brand.

Three weeks from today, the gates open on the 2026 Royal Show at our new home at Tweedie. And if you’re wondering what there is to see and do, here are 21 very good reasons to put the Royal in your diary.

With the 2026 Royal Show getting closer, we’ve put together a range of Exhibitor and Partner Resources to help you prepare, promote your participation and make the most of your presence at the Show.

The countdown is officially on — there are just four weeks to go until the Royal Show 2026 opens its gates! From Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October, visitors can look forward to five action-packed days at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, Howick. With a programme designed to showcase the best of agriculture, entertainment and country living, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Pythons, cobras, mambas, crocodiles and even tarantulas: Pure Venom Reptile Park is bringing a fascinating collection of creatures to this year’s Royal Show at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, Howick.

There is much more to honey than meets the eye! At the 2026 Royal Show, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the fascinating world of bees, beekeeping and honey production through a special display presented by the KZN Bee Farmers Association.

Eggs in the breakfast pan, chicken on the dinner table — poultry is part of everyday life for many South Africans. But how much do we know about the farming behind these familiar foods?

At the 2026 Royal Show, visitors will have an opportunity to take a closer look, with a Commercial Poultry feature exploring the birds, skills and systems behind egg and chicken production.

Some of South Africa’s finest commercial livestock will compete for Royal honours this October, as the prestigious Royal Fat Stock Show and Royal Carcass Competition return during the Royal Show’s 175th anniversary year.

Hosted by the Natal Rabbit Club, this much-loved favourite returns to the 2026 Royal Show from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October, bringing together an impressive exhibition of rabbits and giving visitors the chance to see a wonderful variety of breeds up close.

Howick High School will introduce Agricultural Sciences as an FET subject in 2027, opening a new field of study to its learners and marking the beginning of an educational partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal.

The 2026 Royal Veld Heifer Competition will take place on Friday 9 October 2026 in the Hollard Arena at the Royal Agricultural Show’s new Tweedie Showgrounds. This year’s competition is focused on feminine, fertile, grass-fed heifers — practical females brought directly from the veld, judged for the qualities that matter in real breeding herds.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal is pleased to announce that the Dormer National Championship will be held at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, at the Society’s new Tweedie Hall venue in the KZN Midlands.

This Sunday, Tweedie Hall in Howick will host the KZN Youth Show as part of the R.A.S. Heritage Events programme. For visitors, parents and members of the public, it offers a valuable opportunity to see young people developing real agricultural, animal-handling and presentation skills in a supportive show environment.

The October Royal Agricultural Show will place a strong spotlight on South Africa’s sheep and goat breeders, with a focused small stock programme that brings together breed competition, fat stock excellence, interbreed Gold Cup honours and the prestigious Royal Carcass Competition and Auction.

The Honey & Crafts Festival takes place at Tweedie Hall, Howick, on 16 June 2026, from 9am to 4pm, as part of the first group of R.A.S. Heritage Events. Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society, the festival brings together local honey, crafts, food, refreshments, music and family-friendly activities in a warm winter setting.

The KZN Youth Show takes place at Tweedie Hall, Howick, on 31 May 2026 as part of the first group of R.A.S. Heritage Events. Hosted by the KZN Youth Show and supported by the Royal Agricultural Society, the event celebrates young people who are developing practical skills, confidence and knowledge across a range of agricultural and show-related disciplines.