A special outing for 491 people - at the Royal Cornwall Showground with Age UK Cornwall

In June, Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly coordinated transportation, provided a pasty lunch, warm refreshments, and arranged a large marquee to provide shelter and foster connections for 491 special guests at the Royal Cornwall Showground.

This was all made possible due to strong support from the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, who enabled us to extend reduced ticket prices to local community groups and individuals based in Mid & South Cornwall.

Our efforts were bolstered by over 30 amazing volunteers and staff who contributed to the day's success. They welcomed guests at the gates, guided people throughout the showground, served lunch and beverages, provided information and advice, assisted those with mobility and health needs, entertained everyone, and, most importantly—helped bring people together.

What is the Royal Cornwall Show?

Since 1793, The Royal Cornwall Show has been the main showcase event for Cornwall. For three days each year, the dedicated showground at Wadebridge opens it’s gates to over 120,000 people, and gives attendees a fascinating look into agriculture and rural life in Cornwall. Over these three days the Showground is turned into a living breathing town, bustling with amazing attractions, energy and trade - it is one of the biggest events in Cornwall.

Unfortunately, it is not easily accessible to everyone and individuals who are social isolated, have mobility/health concerns, or have trouble accessing conventional forms of transport, can often miss out. This is when Age UK Cornwall and their squad of volunteers, staff, and supporters swooped in!

‘Singing in the Rain’ with Truro School

Not even the greatest downpour or the loudest thunder could spoil an unforgettable day at the Royal Cornwall Showground on Saturday, June 7, where our clients were treated to a special performance from a Celtic band and a delightful folk singer serenading them post pasty feast inside our gorgeous marquee.

In 2025, we had the absolute pleasure of joining our support with Truro School. Together, we rolled out the red carpet for our clients; treating everyone to a special musical performance by a group of highly talented pupils. This was greatly appreciated by our clients and the local groups in attendance, showcasing the best of intergenerational connections!

Adjacent to the main marquee, Age UK Cornwall staff and volunteers hosted a smaller stand, which provided a valuable space to our clients; offering information, advice, and support, it was also great place to signpost people to local groups and organisations that were dotted around the showground.

Coming soon - further connections with Truro High School

As the year rolls on, we’re drumming up a series of musical events with Truro School pupils and volunteers - think jazz, orchestral, choral, folk, and more! But wait, there’s more... We’re cooking up an Autumn fundraising event - a Vintage Festival with fashions from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, all wrapped in film, video, live music, and food.

Stay tuned and watch this space for further updates...

A huge thank you

It is safe to say that many great memories were made during the day, and we have been fortunate to receive so much positive feedback and praise (you can see a couple of quotes below) from clients and local groups. However, we simply couldn’t do any of this without our brilliant, caring volunteers and staff, local supporters, Roselyn Coaches, The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, and the inspiring pupils and staff from Truro High School.

Thank you to everyone who made our 2025 Royal Cornwall Show trip so special.

See you again next year...