The Suffolk Show is undoubtedly a great place for children. The opportunity to get within a metre of a champion Hereford heifer, or climb on an actual tractor, or watch cars race round the Grand Ring – it’s a perfect day for little people.
Or, rather, it has the potential to be a perfect day. As a mum-of-three and veteran show-goer, I’ve failed and won in equal measure on show days. Here’s my quick survival guide to help you enjoy the show with your children.
1. Be prepared. It’s all a bit obvious to weathered mums, but honestly, pack well. Suncream, plasters, rain coats, wellies, spare clothes, crayons and paper (just in case you’re blessed with five minutes for a cuppa and cake in the EADT tea tent) .
2. Check the forecast. Obviously. It’s always best to wear layers so you can strip off when the sun comes out (hopefully).
3. Take snacks. Lots of snacks. With such a massive array of treats on show, it’s easy to be pestered for food - and pestering can soon turn to whinging.
4. Remember a picnic blanket. You can de-camp on the grass whenever and wherever. And it will save soggy bottoms if the grass is damp.
5. Have a plan if, heavens above, you lose a child. An average of 40,000 flock to the show each day so little people can disappear in a sea of legs very quickly. There are free wrist bands for children onto which you can write your contact details. These can be found at each of the EADT and Ipswich Star sales points at the Bucklesham, Foxhall and Vice President’s gates.
6. Think about taking a buggy. Even if your child very rarely uses one anymore, the site is so vast that little legs can get tired. Plus it’s a great place to store your supplies. It can be a faff to manoeuvre through the crowds and you will probably bash a few ankles, but it will all feel worth it when the audibly tired child is thankfully strapped in and content.
7. Make a mental note of the nearest toilets – and if you see a small-ish queue stand in it. Sometimes the queues can be quite long – too risky with tiny bladders.
8. Have a rough idea of what you’d like to see. The show guide and schedule can be found online so it’s probably worth having a look at times so you can have a plan of sorts.
9. Take cash. The queue for the cashpoint is often longer than the toilet queue so it’s worth being prepared, especially as there are fairground rides, ice cream vans and toy stalls to visit. Many of the stalls do take card payment.
10. Buy your adult tickets in advance. Children under 15 get free entry to the show and adults can save up to £6 a ticket by buying before the day. Discount tickets are available until midnight on Tuesday May 31 and are on sale now. Visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk
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