Sold-out CountryTastic delights families with horses, Jumping with Ivy and hands-on farming fun
Posted on: April 7th, 2026 · Posted in: Charity, CountryTastic, Education
Thousands of families enjoyed a fun-filled day of sunshine, farming, animals and countryside discovery at CountryTastic, in association with Malvern St James School and held at the Three Counties Showground during the Easter holidays.
The hugely popular event proved a sellout, with 6,000 tickets sold out by Tuesday of the event week, highlighting the continued demand for this much-loved children’s day out.
Organised by the charity Three Counties Agricultural Society, CountryTastic returned for 2026 with a brand-new theme, “Hold Your Horses”, celebrating all things equine alongside the very best of farming, food and rural life for young visitors.
Children were able to get up close to a wide range of animals throughout the day, with opportunities to meet horses and ponies, learn about their care and grooming, and discover the important role they play in the countryside. Animal encounters across the Showground gave families the chance to meet friendly farm animals with their expert handlers, helping children connect with farming in a fun and memorable way.
A highlight for many families was the appearance of social media sensation Jumping with Ivy who wowed visitors with a jumping demo and a popular meet and greet. Lucy Heath and the Trickstars attracted crowds to the ring-side with exciting dog demos and a busy meet-and-greet session. Peppa Pig, who chatted with younger visitors throughout the day, adding extra excitement for younger fans.
New for 2026 were a range of hands-on workshops and interactive experiences, designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and learning through play. From craft-based activities and roleplay experiences to practical countryside workshops, children were able to take part in engaging sessions that brought farming and rural life to life with Worcestershire-based businesses including Choccotastic, Peter Cooks Bread and Fun with Flowers.
Food and drink also played a starring role, with families enjoying the brand new ‘Alpaca “Café’, offering a chance to get up close and personal with one of the show’s most loved animals as they fed from the hands and tables of visitors.
Popular favourites returned alongside new attractions, ensuring there was plenty to see and do for all ages. Tractor, dray and barrel rides, live demonstrations and themed activity areas proved especially popular, while families also enjoyed exploring the bustling exhibitor halls filled with child friendly food and tradestands.
Jane Edwards, Head of Shows at Three Counties Agricultural Society, said:
“CountryTastic is always a really special day for us, and it was fantastic to see such strong demand again this year, with tickets selling out early in the week. The ‘Hold Your Horses’ theme brought something fresh to the event, and it was wonderful to see children learning, laughing and getting hands on with farming, animals and the countryside.”
CountryTastic is a fundraising event for Three Counties Agricultural Society, supporting the charity’s year-round work to promote farming, food, education and the countryside. Proceeds from the event help to deliver educational programmes and future events that inspire the next generation.
