The countdown is officially on for the Royal Highland Show which will see over 200,000 visitors make their way through our gates to experience ‘acres of epicness’!
Today, five-week-old Dolly the donkey and her friends Wee Chap, Beekeeper, Enid Brown, and Annie the Alpaca, jumped on an ‘RHS OHH’-wrapped Edinburgh Tram, which showcases many surprising ‘OHH’ elements of the show, as a friendly reminder that the show will soon be taking place in what is its 202nd year and to try to take public transport where possible.
David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS, said: “The Royal Highland Show promises to be an unforgettable event with a mix of the traditional and unexpected but it’s also going to be extremely busy. The weeks leading up to the show see us constructing a mini village and becoming the sixth biggest population in Scotland during the show. Tickets are also selling fast, and we anticipate that tickets for all four days will sell out, with up to fifty-five thousand people visiting the show each day. That’s why we’re encouraging those attending the show to consider using public transport wherever possible.
“While we have over ten acres of car parking available and robust logistics in place to minimise disruption as much as we can, we ask those attending the show to consider taking the tram, the bus or even walking part of their journey, if they are able to*. This also supports our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.
“We are looking forward to a successful show and thank everyone for playing their part in helping us to ease traffic congestion as much as possible across the four-day event to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.”
While tradition remains at the heart of the Royal Highland Show, our event is far from conventional. Sitting alongside the traditional aspects including livestock competitions and parades – around 6,000 animals flock to the showground over the four days - you can expect to see sparks fly in the heat of a farriery competition, daredevil BMX riders showing off their flips and tricks, and be on the edge of their seats in the forestry arena as they are entertained by axe throwers, live chainsaw carving, and pole climbers. There will also be an immersive honey tent, donkeys competing for best in show and Alpacas walking around the Countryside Area!
Supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, it is estimated that the Royal Highland Show contributes almost forty million to Edinburgh’s economy each year. Having run successfully for over two centuries, the Royal Highland Show remains the biggest fundraising event for our founding charity, RHASS.
The Royal Highland Hoolie presented with Farmers Bash is also back for 2024, with eight live folk and country music acts performing on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June, including headline acts Tide Lines and Derek Ryan as well as Tik Tok Star, Nathan Evans (Sea Shanty) and Rednex with their 90's hit 'Cotton Eyed Joe'.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the show and the Hoolie, please visit https://www.royalhighlandshow.org. Children 15 and under go free to the Royal Highland Show if they are accompanied by a paying adult but they must have a ticket. Three children maximum go free per one paying adult.