24-05-2025
Look back at 20 years since last fatstock show at cattle market
One of Cornwall's much-loved livestock shows will once again return this November with the date now confirmed.
This year is the 153rd Helston Fatstock Show and marks the 20th anniversary of the final event to be held at the old Helston Cattle Market, in 2005, before the show moved to Franchis Farm the following year – where it has remained ever since.
In 2025 the show will once again be held at Franchis, on the Helston to Wendron road, by kind permission of Bob Cowell - and this year also marks the 20th show to be held all at the same time.
The event this year will take place on Saturday, November 8.
The Williams family - Geoffrey, Elizabeth and Robert - won champion heifer in 2006, the first show to be held at Franchis Farm (Image: Allan McLaren/Helston Packet archive) A cornerstone of Helston's heritage, the show, which began in 1870, is one of the longest-running traditional events of its kind.
It features friendly competition, an educational and farming spirit, and a generous display of local produce and craft stalls.
Originally held on a Monday in Helston town, livestock, crop, and produce sections were exhibited in the Drill Hall, with the Domestic section in the Guildhall near the museum.
Later, livestock, crops, and farm produce moved to the Old Helston Cattle Market.
George Rogers, from Hayle, shows off his winning flatpoll cabbages in 2005 (Image: Allan McLaren/Helston Packet archive) Following the demolition of the cattle market buildings in 2005, Mr Cowell kindly reached out and offered Franchis Farm as a venue for the 2006 show. This marked the first time in 136 years that all exhibits were housed in a single location.
While initially at Franchis Farm, exhibits were somewhat separated, the new venue provided extra space, allowing for the addition of a Sheep Section.
The show thrived, and in 2017, Mr. Cowell invited the show to move into a large, newly built shed, fulfilling the vision of housing the entire event under one roof.
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In 2018, show day moved to a Saturday, enabling more people and families to enjoy this celebration of food and farming. The show has continued to expand and thrive since.
The event remains organised solely by volunteers committed to ensuring one of the oldest traditional prime stock shows not only continues but expands each year.
A spokesperson for Helston Fatstock Show said: 'The fantastic venue has ensured the show's survival, and the show has become renowned for the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at Franchis Farm among exhibitors and visitors.'
Mrs P Pascoe with her winning fatless sponge in 2005 (Image: Allan McLaren/Helston Packet archive) Looking ahead, the Helston Fatstock Show Society has also announced that Mr. David Nicholas will be the 2025 Show President.
David is well known for his interest in and support for agricultural shows and Young Farmer Club events.
He has chosen The League of Helston Community Hospital as his designated charity for his presidential year.
Exhibit entry details can be found by contacting helstonfatstockshow@ or on Facebook.
