Our History

For over 50 years the Bedhampton Summer Show has been organised to provide a free entry, fun day out for the local community.

Since 1974, on the first Saturday of July at 2.00pm the show is opened and the people of Bedhampton and the surrounding area gather on Bidbury Mead to enjoy the spectacle. Previously, the show, not quite in the same format as today, was held in the Manor Garden.

Since 2004, when a lack of volunteers meant no show was held, community members have joined the parishioners of the churches of St Thomas and St Nicholas to arrange the event. The Summer Show Committee under the umbrella of the church for charity registration, insurance and accounting purposes, continue with the organisation each year. An army of volunteers from the local community help make it all happen in the lead up right through to the closure of Bidbury Mead at end of the show.

In later years, the Summer Show Committee nominates a charity of their choice to receive a donation. All other proceeds from the show helps supplement the charity work of the church.

Until 1984 the show was formally opened by the current Miss Bedhampton followed latterly by a succession of Havant’s Mayors.

The show has featured stalls, side shows, refreshments, arena events and until the early 2000’s a Show Tent.

Over the years thousands of visitors have enjoyed browsing and purchasing from the stalls, watching arena events, taking refreshments and trying their luck at games, tombolas and raffles.

Portsmouth City Band have provided the musical accompaniment to the proceedings for many years now, giving enjoyment for visitors taking in refreshments in the adjacent area.

Arena events have included dogs, birds, field gun crews, marching bands, dancers, reenactment groups, escapologists, circus acts and gymnastic clubs.
The Arena is also used for the children’s Fancy Dress Parade, childrens races and riotous Tug-of-Wars with dozens of family members on each side of the rope.

The Show Tent housed competitions for a variety of categories for both children and adults. Certificates were awarded in classes including painting, handwriting, cooking, wine making, flower arranging, photography and handcrafts.

The tent was delivered and erected on Bidbury on the eve of the show with volunteers from local scout groups camping out to guard it overnight.

The weather hasn’t always been kind. Torrential rain has put dampers on things on several occasions. For those who were there in 2008, who will forget the sight of the Egyptian dancing group squelching barefoot around the arena and agility dogs slipping from the obstacle course. High winds have presented problems with gazebos flying in all directions and volunteers in pursuit. Despite these setbacks most of the memories are of glorious summer days with everyone enjoying the show.