Arts & Culture
BBC Countryfile Live 2017 proves to be big success, and will be returning!

BBC Countryfile Live 2017 came to a close last Sunday night in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. The repeat success has allowed organisers to confirm the event for a third year in 2018 from August 2 to August 5.

The event, a celebration of the BBC television programme, enjoyed huge visitor numbers in the first week of August. It has been confirmed that a staggering 120,000 people attended the second outing of the popular event – not to mention the thousands of canine companions who also attended.

Countryfile presenters Matt Baker, John Craven, Anita Rani, Ellie Harrison, Charlotte Smith, Adam Henson and Tom Heap were in attendance across all four days, mingling with fans and getting involved in everything the event had to offer.

Anita was spotted on the Village Green with the croquet players, Adam showcasing his rare breeds in Adam’s Farm, whilst John was spied welcoming visitors to the Craven Arms pub garden.

With a host of exciting new attractions for 2017, the show brought together everything there is to cherish about the British countryside. Visitors were treated to four days of live arena shows, hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, food, drink and shopping from over 500 independent retailers and lifestyle brands.

Tim Etchells, Managing Director of show organisers, SME London said, “We were delighted to welcome over 120,000 visitors to this year’s show. The feedback we have received has been overwhelming, which is testament to the love our visitors have for the BBC Countryfile programme.

“Our aim with Countryfile Live is to create a unique visitor experience and most importantly a great day out, which we felt the event delivered. We’ve already started working on next year’s show which will run from August 2 to August 5 2018.”

Some fun facts and highlights from the weekend include over 500 exhibitors, 20,000 pints pulled in the Craven Arms Pub, 5,679 canoe trips made on the River Glyme, 4,400 journeys down the zip line, and 11,498 animals on site – from visitors’ dogs, livestock and the wildlife zone creatures.

The event was sponsored by investment management firm Quilter Cheviot and staged in association with the National Trust.

For information about the show, past and upcoming, click here.

  • BBC Countryfile Live 2017 proves to be big success, and will be returning!
  • BBC Countryfile Live 2017 proves to be big success, and will be returning!
  • BBC Countryfile Live 2017 proves to be big success, and will be returning!
  • BBC Countryfile Live 2017 proves to be big success, and will be returning!
  • BBC Countryfile Live 2017 proves to be big success, and will be returning!