Cranleigh and South Eastern Agricultural Society

HISTORY

Welcome to the Cranleigh and South Eastern Agricultural Society

The Society was founded in 1946, when local farmers began meeting to share ideas and support one another in the difficult years after the war. Farming has always been a solitary occupation, and those early gatherings gave farmers a rare chance to come together, share experiences, and enjoy each other’s company. The group called itself the Cranleigh and District Farming Club, later expanding to become the Cranleigh and West Surrey Farming Club. Its purpose was clear: to promote good farming, improve livestock breeding, and encourage public understanding of agriculture.

The very first Cranleigh Show was held at Knowle Park on 4 October 1947. It drew 127 cattle entries, a ploughing match, and 16 “side-shows” — all farm-related, including corn merchants, machinery dealers, auctioneers, and woodland crafts. Membership quickly grew from 180 to 380, and the show expanded year by year. Pigs were introduced in 1948, sheep in 1954, and horse classes in 1956.

By 1957, the show recorded 515 cattle entries, including Jerseys, Ayrshires, and Short Horns. An impressive 190 cattle came from the Channel Islands, bringing the total livestock entries that year to 1,435. Alongside the livestock, traditional skills were showcased with competitions in thatching, rick building, root crops, horse-drawn ploughing, and displays of pre-war tractors.

Back in the 1940s, farming in Surrey was still close to subsistence level. In Cranleigh alone there were 14–16 small dairy farms, each with only a dozen cows, selling milk direct to local households. Today, farming looks very different — to survive, farmers must be businesspeople as well as stockmen and growers. Yet one thing has not changed: the isolation of farm life. Mental health challenges remain a real issue within the farming community, which is why gatherings like the Show — then and now — play such an important role in bringing people together.

One family has been at the heart of the Society’s story from the very beginning — the Elliotts of Whipley Manor Farm. Daniel Elliott, who bought the farm in 1920, became the first president of the Farming Club. His son David later chaired the Society, followed by his grandson Adrian, and today his great-grandson William continues to be involved.

In 1982, the event moved to its permanent home, a 75-acre site on Bookhurst Road, now known as the Cranleigh Showground.

Through the decades, the show has evolved into a true celebration of farming, food, and rural life. The show has faced setbacks over the years — foot and mouth disease in 1952 and flooding in 1974 both forced cancellations. Then more recently, a three-year pause during the Covid pandemic, following which it returned in 2024 under a new name: the Cranleigh Farm and Food Festival. Today it reflects both its agricultural roots and its role as a much-loved community event.

Alongside the Festival, the Society continues to support farming through ploughing matches, crop-growing competitions, bursaries for farming and agricultural students, farm walks, and rural craft displays. Just as in 1946, our mission remains the same: to keep farming, food, and countryside life at the heart of our community - reminding us that while farming can be a lonely occupation, no one in the farming world ever truly stands alone.

Join us on Sunday 21st September 2025 for our Vintage Tractor Ploughing Match, celebrating the skill and heritage of farming in years gone by. For further information, follow this link - PLOUGHING MATCH

Become a Member

By becoming a member of the Cranleigh and South Eastern Agricultural Society, you’ll be helping us continue this vital work — supporting farming, celebrating rural traditions, and inspiring future generations.

Members enjoy:

Free entry to the Cranleigh Farm and Food Festival, with the exclusive members’ marquee
Invitations to exclusive farm walks, talks, and visits
A chance to be part of one of Surrey’s oldest and most respected rural societies

take part

Our Livestock Classes attracts exhibitors from all over the South East…

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SPONSOR US

If you are interested in supporting next year’s Cranleigh Farm & Food Festival…

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trade with us

The Festival provides a unique trading opportunity in the Surrey Hill's countryside.

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PLAN YOUR DAY

A full programme of events in both the Jack Nash Main Arena and John Morris Countryside Arena.

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BECOME A MEMBER

Join the Cranleigh and South Eastern Agricultural Society and enjoy free entry to the show, plus members’ parking. Benefits at the show include access to the Members’ Marquee and lawn, where you can pre-book delicious lunches and help yourself to complimentary tea and coffee. Visit the membership page for more information.