Coventry and Warwickshire’s largest one-day agricultural show to introduce its first-ever live music stage
Coventry and Warwickshire's largest one-day agricultural show hopes to hit the right notes when it hosts a live music stage for the first time in its distinguished history.
Some of the region's finest musicians, including vintage singer Helen Pearson and rising star Jessie Lea, will perform on The Trailer Stage at this year's eagerly-awaited Kenilworth Show.
Organised by the Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society, the Kenilworth Show is a celebration of farming life and features a wide range of attractions, including livestock shows, equestrian events, machinery displays and various competitions.
The Kenilworth Show. which takes place on the Stoneleigh Park estate on Saturday, May 31, has been running since 1947 and usually attracts around 12,000 people.
This year's event promises to be extra special after the 2024 edition had to be cancelled.
Show Director Charlie Weetman said the presence of a live entertainment stage would add a new dimension to the event.
He said: "We've been treated to some wonderful performances from local musicians down the years.
"We've got another cracking line-up of local acts this year, but this time we've gone the extra mile so more visitors can enjoy the music.
"The Trailer Stage, which is being overseen by the brilliant Adam Beresford-Browne, will add a really nice dynamic to the show and help to make it feel a bit like a mini festival. Look out Glastonbury!"
Helen Pearson, based in Bromsgrove, will deliver a headline set packed full of classics from the 1930s through to the 1970s, with one or two modern-day hits sprinkled in for good measure.
Her performance at the Kenilworth Show will be her first since the release on Spotify of her second single It's Always Been You.
Helen started singing lessons 'for a bit of fun' ten years go.
Now, it's her full-time job and one that has taken her to huge venues all over the country.
She was a woman in demand during the recent VE Day celebrations and performed live as part of a BBC radio station's breakfast show special.
Helen said: "I sing at a lot of 1940s weekends, steam railways, car shows – anything vintage-themed!
"I also perform at weddings and parties. I love the music of Billie Holiday and Vera Lynn, but I also like to throw in the odd one from Harry Styles and Adele. Kenilworth Show visitors are in for an eclectic set that should appeal to music fans of all ages."
Helen has performed at the Kenilworth Show before, although not from a stage dedicated to live entertainment as this year.
Taylor Swift-inspired Jessie Lea, from Easenhall, near Rugby, will perform a mix of country-pop originals and 'lots of upbeat, well-known covers'.
Jessie, an English Literature student at Queen's University in Belfast, also has history with the event.
She regularly attended the show as a kid along with her parents.
On top of that, Jessie's family run the Malt Kiln Farm Shop – a sponsor of the home craft tent at this year's event.
The 20-year-old said: I grew up listening to country because of my parents and that music has stayed with me.
"I started to learn the guitar when I was about 13 and started to perform on stage soon after that. I've played at the Godiva Festival and the HMV Empire in Coventry, as well as in pubs, clubs and at weddings.
"I've definitely got an affinity with the Kenilworth Show so I can't wait to go back, but as a performer. It's going to be really special."
Show visitors can also expect music from swing specialists The Gary Bell Band, male and female dancing troupe Hereburgh Morris and more.Also making its debut this year is an area dedicated to hobby horse jumping. Hobbyhorsing, as it is known, is experiencing a surge in popularity among girls in the UK, Scandinavia and Australia.
For a £5 entry fee, riders will get the chance to race through the twists and turns of the hobbyhorse track. The rider with the fastest time at the end of the day is set to win a very special prize.
The show will also boast a busy programme of main ring attractions and more than 120 trade stands displaying a range of arts, crafts, jewellery, homeware, food and drink.
Show tickets, which are free for under 12s, can be bought here.
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