Full guide to what's on at the Southern Show 2026

The Southern Show returns to Orrisdale Farm in Ballasalla this weekend, with two days of livestock judging, dog displays, vintage vehicles and a Vikings of Mann display on the programme.

Now more than a century old, the agricultural show is run entirely by volunteers.

Keith Masson, president of the Southern District Agricultural Society hopes the two-day event will encourage "more people to support our local agricultural industry and perhaps even become involved themselves."

Mr Masson comes from a long line of Manx farmers. "I have been involved in agriculture all my life, and my family's farming history stretches back through many generations," he said. "Sometimes I think we are as bred to farming as our livestock, with both our families and our animals having deep roots that go back over many years."

He described the Southern Show as "one of the largest events of the year on the Island", giving the agricultural industry a chance to showcase itself to the wider public.

Both days begin at 09:00, but the two are shaped differently: Saturday is built around the show's core agricultural judging, while Sunday leans more towards family entertainment and vehicles.

Saturday's highlights include:

The Light Horse and livestock judging begins, with sheepdog demonstrations, Young Farmers Stockjudging and 'The Grand Parade' judging the shows overall best livestock.

Sunday's highlights include:

The Working Hunter Programme and show jumping, goat and donkey judging, children's sports and fun competitions, vehicle competitions and lawn mower parades.

Both days feature dog displays, vintage vehicle parades, a Vikings of Mann display and yoga, mindfulness and breathwork sessions.

Mr Masson said the variety on offer reflected the show's purpose. "It helps reconnect town and country through the livestock, local produce, machinery and crafts on display, while giving visitors a better understanding of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing our food and caring for the countryside."

The Southern District Agricultural Society was founded in 1914, and the first Southern Show was held that August at Billown Estate in Malew, with 60 horses, 40 cattle, 17 sheep and five pigs exhibited.

It has been held at Orrisdale Farm, Ballasalla, since 2019, having grown from a one-day event to two days in the early 1990s.

Mr Masson paid tribute to the Kermode family, who own the land the show is held on.

"Special thanks must also go to the Kermode family for once again allowing us to take over their fields and for taking all the organised chaos in their stride."

The Southern District Agricultural Society is a self-funding Manx charity, overseen by five directors and a committee of more than 40 members.

"There are countless hours of work involved in organising an event of this size, and without the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers, exhibitors, stewards, sponsors and committee members, this show simply could not take place,"

"We look forward to welcoming you to this year's show," said Masson.

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