Ready for the Country Show: What to Expect and Must-Have Style Essentials

Step away from the relentless rhythm of city life and venture into the captivating embrace of the countryside. We invite you to embark on a journey through the idyllic landscapes and rich tapestry of rural living. As you wander through these verdant pastures, guided by the whispering winds and the soft rustle of leaves, you’ll discover the timeless beauty and vibrant culture that define the heart and soul of the countryside. 

At Walker and Hawkes, we are more than just clothing; we are storytellers, weaving tales of simplicity, tradition, and unique style that form the very fabric of countryside life. From the spirited gatherings of local fairs to the grandeur of country events, we immerse ourselves in the festivities and traditions that bring the community together in joyous revelry. 

Here at Walker and Hawkes, we understand the importance of dressing the part. We’re here to help bring to life the essence of countryside style, sophistication and authenticity to your next event.

The Charm of UK Country Shows

Country shows and events are the heartbeat of rural life in the UK, offering a delightful blend of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned countryside enthusiast or a curious city dweller, attending these gatherings is an experience not to be missed. Join us as we uncover the diverse array of country shows across the UK and what you can expect to encounter at each one.

Agricultural Shows

What to Expect: Agricultural shows are a celebration of rural life, showcasing the best of British farming, livestock, and agricultural practices. Expect to see impressive displays of farm animals, from prize-winning cattle and sheep to majestic horses and adorable farmyard creatures. Explore exhibits on agriculture, horticulture, and rural.

Don’t leave the house without: A Tweed Blazer

When attending an agriculture show, you want to blend style, comfort, and practicality – and a tweed blazer ticks all these boxes effortlessly. Here’s why a tweed blazer is the ideal choice for your next countryside outing:

1. Classic Style: Tweed blazers exude timeless elegance, making them a perfect match for the traditional atmosphere of an agriculture show. Their classic patterns and rich textures add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. 
2. Durable and Practical: Tweed is known for its durability and resilience, making it ideal for a day spent outdoors. Whether you’re navigating muddy paths or brushing past animals, your tweed blazer will stand up to the elements. 
3. Versatile Comfort: A tweed blazer offers warmth without sacrificing comfort. Its breathable fabric ensures you stay cosy during cooler mornings while remaining comfortable as the day warms up.
4. Effortless Pairing: Tweed blazers can be dressed up or down, pairing seamlessly with jeans, chinos, or even a smart pair of trousers. Add a crisp shirt or a cosy knit underneath, and you’re ready to enjoy the show in style. 
5. Rural Charm: Embrace the countryside aesthetic with a tweed blazer that reflects the essence of rural life. Its natural hues and rugged texture perfectly complements the rustic charm of an agriculture show.

Country Fairs

What to Expect: Country fairs offer a taste of local culture and heritage, with a mix of attractions, entertainment, and culinary delights. Wander through rows of stalls selling handmade crafts, local produce, and artisanal goods. Indulge in traditional fare, from freshly baked pies and pastries to savoury snacks and sweet treats. Enjoy live music, folk dancing, and fairground rides that add to the festive atmosphere.

Don’t leave the house without: Cosy Knitwear

When heading to a country fair, comfort and style are key, and nothing embodies these qualities quite like cosy knitwear. Here’s why knitwear is your best choice for enjoying all the fun and festivities:

1. Warmth and Comfort: Country fairs often involve spending a lot of time outdoors, and knitwear provides the perfect layer of warmth to keep you comfortable, whether it’s a crisp spring morning or a cool summer evening. 
2. Versatile Style: Our knitwear comes in a variety of styles, from chunky sweaters and cardigans to lightweight pullovers. The versatility means you can easily find a piece that matches your personal style and the casual, laid-back vibe of a country fair. 
3. Effortless Pairing: Cosy knits pair effortlessly with jeans, skirts, or trousers, making it easy to put together an outfit that’s both stylish and practical. Layer your knitwear over a simple tee or a smart shirt for a look that’s both chic and functional. 
4. Practicality: Knitwear is easy to move in, making it perfect for a day filled with activities like strolling through stalls, enjoying fairground rides, or sampling delicious local treats. Plus, Walker and Hawkes knitwear is durable and easy to care for, ideal for a busy day out. 
5. Country Charm: The textures and patterns of our knitwear evoke a rustic, homely feel that’s perfectly in tune with the ambience of a country fair. From cable knits to zip-necks, your jumper can reflect the charm and tradition of rural life. 
6. Layering Options: The unpredictable weather at British country fairs means layering is essential. Knitwear is easy to layer under a jacket or over a base layer, allowing you to adjust your outfit to stay comfortable no matter the weather, you can pop a waterproof over the top if clouds descend.

Vintage Festivals

What to Expect: Step back in time at vintage festivals, where nostalgia reigns supreme and retro charm abounds. Explore vintage vehicles, classic cars, and antique machinery that harken back to a bygone era. Admire displays of vintage fashion, homeware, and memorabilia, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds and yesteryear. Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at traditional games and activities for a truly immersive experience.

Don’t leave the house without: A Flat Cap

Attending a vintage fair is all about embracing nostalgia and timeless style. The flat cap, with its rich history and classic design, is the perfect accessory to complete your look. Here’s why we’ll be packing our flat cap collection for the vintage fairs this year:

1. Authentic Vintage Style: The flat cap has been a staple of British fashion since the 14th century, making it a quintessential piece for any vintage outfit. Its classic design instantly adds a touch of old-world charm and authenticity to your look. 
2. Versatile and Stylish: Our flat caps come in various fabrics and patterns, from tweed and wool to waterpoor and plain. The versatility allows you to match your flat cap with a wide range of vintage outfits, whether you’re going for a 1920s dapper look or a 1940s casual style. 
3. Comfort and Practicality: A flat cap provides the perfect balance of style and practicality. Its snug fit keeps your head warm on cooler days, while its lightweight construction ensures comfort even in warmer weather. Plus, its small brim offers just the right amount of shade for your eyes. 
4. Timeless Appeal: The flat cap transcends fashion trends, maintaining its popularity through the decades. Wearing a flat cap at a vintage fair not only complements the event’s theme but also showcases your appreciation for timeless fashion. 
5. Easy to Wear: Unlike more elaborate vintage hats, the flat cap is easy to wear and effortlessly stylish. Simply pop it on, and you’re ready to go. Its simplicity makes it a hassle-free accessory that perfectly tops off your vintage ensemble. 
6. Unisex Fashion: Flat caps are versatile enough to be worn by anyone, making them a unisex fashion staple. Whether you’re male or female, a flat cap can add a distinctive touch to your vintage fair attire.

Horticultural Shows

What to Expect: Horticultural shows are a feast for the senses, celebrating the beauty and diversity of plants, flowers, and gardens. Marvel at stunning floral displays, intricate garden designs, and rare botanical specimens. Get inspired by expert gardening tips, floral arranging demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. Take part in competitions for the best blooms or simply wander through the fragrant gardens and lush greenery.

Don’t leave the house without: A Wide Brimmed Hat

Horticultural shows are a celebration of nature’s beauty, offering a delightful day out among stunning floral displays and wonderful smells and colours. A wide-brimmed hat is the ideal accessory for such an event, and here’s why it’s the perfect fit: 

1. Protection from the Sun: Horticultural shows often take place outdoors, where you can spend hours strolling through gardens and exhibits. A wide-brimmed hat provides excellent sun protection, shielding your face, neck, and shoulders from harmful UV rays and helping you stay cool and comfortable. 
2. Stylish Elegance: Wide-brimmed hats are effortlessly stylish, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your outfit. Whether you choose a classic colour or a bright red, the accessory enhances your overall look and complements the natural beauty of the show. Why not pair it with a breezy sundress, comfortable sandals and a light shawl. 
3. Practicality: Beyond sun protection, wide-brimmed hats offer practical benefits. They help keep you cool by providing shade and allowing air to circulate around your head. This makes them ideal for spending long days outdoors, ensuring you stay comfortable as you explore the exhibits. 
4. Versatility: Walker and Hawkes’ wide brimmed-hats come in a variety of style, colours and materials, allowing you to choose one that perfectly matches your outfit and personal style. Whether you’re dressed in casual garden attire or a more polished look, a wide-brimmed hat can seamlessly fit into your ensemble. 
5. Embracing the Atmosphere: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat adds to the romantic and leisurely ambience of a horticultural show. It evokes a sense of classic garden party charm, making you feel like a part of the picturesque setting as you admire the floral displays and horticultural exhibits. 
6. Photogenic Accessory: a wide-brimmed hat is not only practical but also photogenic. It adds a stylish touch to your photos, helping you capture beautiful memories of your day at the horticultural show. The hat’s wide brim can frame your face beautifully, enhancing your overall appearance in pictures.

Country Sporting Events

What to Expect: For lovers of outdoor pursuits, country sports events offer a thrilling showcase of traditional sports and recreational activities. Watch skilled competitors demonstrate the art of falconry, archery and fly fishing. Cheer on participants in clay pigeon shooting, dog agility trials, and horseback riding competitions. Explore vendors offering equipment, clothing, and accessories for your own outdoor adventures. 

Don’t leave the house without: Your Wax Jacket

Country sports events require attire that is both practical and stylish. A wax jacket is the quintessential piece for these activities, and here’s why it is the absolutely must-have item:

1. Weather Resistant: Country sports often take place in unpredictable weather conditions. A wax jacket provides excellent protection against rain and wind, thanks to its water-resistant and windproof properties. This ensures you stay dry and comfortable, no matter what the weather throws at you. 
2. Durability: Wax jackets are renowned for their durability and longevity. Made from tough, hard-wearing materials, they can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities and rough terrain. This makes them an ideal choice for country sports, where you need reliable outerwear that can handle the elements. 
3. Practical Features: Walker and Hawkes’ wax jackets are designed with practicality in mind. You’ll find multiple pockets for storing items and sometimes extra reinforcements for added protection and durability. 
4. Timeless Style: With their classic design and earthy tones, wax jackets exude timeless country style. They effortlessly blend function and fashion, ensuring you look the part at any country sports event. Whether you’re on the shooting range or spectating at an equestrian event, a wax jacket adds a touch of traditional elegance to your outfit. 
5. Aging Gracefully: One of the most charming aspects of a wax jacket is how it ages. Over time, as you wear your jacket through various country pursuits, it develops a unique patina and character that reflects its journey with you. The creases, scuffs, and wear marks tell a story, making each jacket unique to its owner. This aging process not only enhances the jacket’s aesthetic appeal but also its sentimental value, as it becomes a cherished companion on your outdoor adventures. 
6. Versatility: A wax jacket is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of country sports and outdoor activities. Its design allows for ease of movement, which is crucial for activities like shooting, or fishing. Additionally, its stylish appearance makes it appropriate for socialising and spectating after the sporting activities are done. 
7. Comfort: Wax jackets are designed to be comfortable for extended wear. They typically feature soft linings, adjustable cuffs, and collars that can be turned up for extra warmth and protection. This comfort is essential when spending long hours outdoors.

Join the Celebrations in style!

No matter which type of country show or event you attend you can expect a warm welcome, a festive atmosphere, and a genuine appreciation for the tradition and heritage of rural life. 

So, don your wellies, pack a picnic and prepare for a day of fun, discovery , and camaraderie at one of the many country shows across the UK. With Walker and Hawkes by your side, you’re ready to dress your best, feel comfortable, and fully immerse yourself in the charm and excitement of rural life. Celebrate the traditions, enjoy the atmosphere, and make lasting memories, all while looking effortlessly stylish. 

Walker and Hawkes is committed to providing you with the finest clothing for your countryside adventures. Explore our collection today and find the perfect outfit for your next country event. Embrace the experience, dress with confidence, and let the countryside be your runway!