Kent County Agricultural Society

What Kent County Agricultural Society does

Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS) is a registered charity founded in 1923 that supports and develops farming and agriculture in Kent, England. The Society operates from a permanent 200+ acre showground at Detling, Maidstone, which it acquired in 1963-64 and has occupied for over 60 years. Its primary function is organising the annual Kent County Show, a three-day flagship event attracting approximately 65,000 visitors, alongside six other annual events: Farm Expo (agricultural trade show), Heritage Transport Show, Living Land (primary school education), Kent Farming Conference, Biddenden Tractorfest, and Countryside Careers. The Society serves multiple customer segments including the general public and families, the farming and agricultural community, students and young people aged 13-25, corporate and event clients, and sponsors and trade exhibitors.

The Society generates revenue through seven distinct streams: event ticket sales (e.g., Kent County Show early-bird adult tickets at £20, family tickets at £48), annual membership subscriptions (£70/year individual, £35/year Next Generation), trade stand bookings and sponsorship packages, Kent Event Centre venue hire for conferences and corporate events, VIP experience packages (e.g., £120 afternoon tea for two), charitable donations (including £100 Sponsor a Brick), and educational programmes. Its wholly-owned subsidiary Kent Show Property Ltd manages the showground property, while the Kent Event Centre operates as a commercial venue-for-hire business within the charity's structure. The Society also runs charitable programmes including the Kent Rural Scholarship (£1,000/year for up to three years for land-based degree students, supporting 26 students since 2016) and the Virtual Living Land digital educational platform, which has educated approximately 60,000 primary school children since 2004.

The Society's technology infrastructure is conventional: a website with integrated ticketing, an interactive showground map, and the Virtual Living Land video content platform organised into four zones (Animal Barn, The Kitchen, Machinery Yard, The Greenhouse). It maintains active social media presence across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X/Twitter, and YouTube. The organisation is governed by a Board of Directors elected by members, with current Chairman Matthew Cullen (elected February 2025) and General Manager Nikki Dorkings leading approximately 15 core staff supplemented by volunteers. Key commercial partners include Brachers LLP, Rochester Bridge Trust, NFU Mutual, Azets, South East Farmer, Crawfords Group, Wilson Wraight, Forestry England, and Hobbs Parker.

Name

Kent County Agricultural Society

Legal name

Kent County Agricultural Society

Website

https://kcas.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Kent County Agricultural Society is a registered charity founded in 1923 that operates the Kent Showground at Detling, organising the annual Kent County Show and six other agricultural events, while running educational programmes, scholarship schemes, and the Kent Event Centre venue for Kent's farming community and the general public.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Events and Rural Education Services

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Agriculture, Farming & AgriTech Shows Organizers (THAHABAM)

Keywords

• Agricultural shows
• Rural education programs
• Farming charity events
• Event venue hire
• Livestock competitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Detling, Maidstone

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from selling tickets to the Kent County Show, Heritage Transport Show, and other ticketed events. Tickets are sold online in advance and on the gate. Early-bird pricing and family ticket packages are offered.
2. Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership subscriptions providing free tickets to all Society events (Kent County Show, Heritage Transport Show, Biddenden Tractorfest), exclusive Members' Area access, discounted tickets to selected events, and other member benefits. Individual membership from £70/year, Under 25 (Next Generation) from £35/year.
3. Trade Stand and Sponsorship Revenue: Revenue from trade stand bookings at the Kent County Show and other events, as well as sponsorship packages across multiple event categories (headline sponsors, show partners, show supporters). Sponsors include Brachers LLP, South East Farmer, Azets, NFU Mutual, Crawfords, Wilson Wraight, Forestry England, and others.
4. Kent Event Centre Venue Hire: The Kent Event Centre, located at the Kent Showground, generates revenue by hosting conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events throughout the year. The venue is marketed as a commercial event space with clear separation between charitable and commercial activity.
5. Scholarships and Grants Disbursement (Charitable Mission): As a registered charity, the Society distributes scholarships (£1,000/year for up to 3 years per student, up to 9 students at any time), woodland awards, Hooson Award (£300 grants), and long service awards. These represent charitable outflows supported by fundraising from events and donations.
6. VIP Packages: Premium packages such as VIP Afternoon Tea for Two (£120), offering entry badges, 1-day membership, exclusive parking, members' lounge access, and Kentish afternoon tea for two.
7. Donations and Sponsorship of Bricks: The Society accepts charitable donations and sells named bricks for the sponsors' wall inside the Maidstone Exhibition Hall (£100 per brick).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Kent County Agricultural Society is a registered charity that organizes and delivers a portfolio of agricultural events and educational programmes at its permanent 200+ acre Kent Showground at Detling. Its central offering is the flagship three-day Kent County Show, supported by Farm Expo (agricultural trade show), Heritage Transport Show, Biddenden Tractorfest, Kent Farming Conference, Living Land (free primary school education day) and the Virtual Living Land online educational platform. The Society also runs the Kent Rural Scholarship, Woodland and Hooson award schemes, an annual membership programme, and the commercial Kent Event Centre venue-for-hire business.

Product overview

Kent County Agricultural Society operates as a registered charity managing a portfolio of agricultural and rural events and educational programs. The core offering centers on the annual Kent County Show, a three-day flagship event showcasing livestock, equine competitions, trade stands, and heritage displays. Supporting events include Farm Expo (agricultural trade show), Heritage Transport Show, Biddenden Tractorfest, Kent Farming Conference, and Countryside Careers. The Society provides educational initiatives through Living Land (school children program) and Virtual Living Land (digital resources), along with scholarship and grant programs including the Kent Rural Scholarship (£1000/year for land-based studies), Woodland Awards, and Hooson Award. The Kent Event Centre provides venue hire facilities. Revenue-generating products include VIP packages, membership subscriptions, and trade stand bookings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kent County Show
• Farm Expo
• Heritage Transport Show
• Biddenden Tractorfest
• Living Land
• Virtual Living Land
• Countryside Careers
• Kent Farming Conference
• Kent Event Centre Venue Hire
• Kent Rural Scholarship
• Woodland Awards
• Hooson Award
• Kent County Agricultural Awards
• Society Membership
• VIP Afternoon Tea Package
• Sponsor a Brick

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 65,000 visitors attended the 95th Kent County Show (July 2026)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Brachers LLPcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 January 2026Brachers LLP is an award-winning law firm in Kent with solicitors in Maidstone and Canterbury. It is a longstanding supporter of KCAS and its charitable activities, providing valuable legal support to individuals, families, and businesses across Kent. It has served as headline sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference and Farm Expo, and provides sponsorship across multiple Society events.
• ViterraminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 March 2025Viterra is a Show Partner for Farm Expo 2025, providing support for the agricultural trade and services show at the Kent Showground.
• The Little Green Energy CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 March 2025The Little Green Energy Company is a Show Partner for Farm Expo 2025, supporting sustainable energy solutions within the agricultural community.
• Auto SmartminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 March 2025Auto Smart is a Show Supporter for Farm Expo 2025, providing support for the agricultural machinery and services show.
• South East FarmerminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025South East Farmer magazine is a media sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference, supporting the agricultural event through promotional coverage and trade stand sponsorship at the conference.
• AzetsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025Azets is an accountancy firm and sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference. Additionally, Hayley Kingsnorth, a partner at Azets, was appointed as the Society's voluntary honorary finance director in 2026, succeeding Hugh Summerfield who served for eight years before his death.
• NFU Mutual Kent AgenciesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025NFU Mutual Kent Agencies is a sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference, supporting the agricultural community through the Society's annual conference.
• Crawfords GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025Crawfords Group specialises in new and second-hand tractors and farm machinery sales and service. Listed as a supporter on the Virtual Living Land page and a sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference.
• Wilson WraightminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025Wilson Wraight is a sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference, supporting the agricultural sector event.
• Forestry EnglandminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025Forestry England is a sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference, bringing expertise in woodland and forestry to the agricultural discussion.
• NFU (National Farmers Union)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 January 2025The NFU was awarded 'Best trade stand for services' at Farm Expo 2023 and is a sponsor of the Kent Farming Conference, supporting the agricultural community.
• Hobbs ParkerminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2024Hobbs Parker, an auctioneers and property specialists firm, runs a vintage tractor auction at Farm Expo. This new feature for 2025 brought a different dimension to the event, offering both farmers and vintage tractor enthusiasts the opportunity to browse and purchase machinery.
• Rochester Bridge TrustcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Rochester Bridge Trust, founded in 1399, is a registered charity and the only surviving independent bridge trust serving its original purpose: providing passage over the River Medway at Rochester. It is a proud sponsor of the Living Land event, supporting agricultural education. Listed as a supporter on the Virtual Living Land page.
• The Wheler FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Wheler Foundation is a registered charity which owns both the Ledston Estate in West Yorkshire and the Otterden Estate in Kent. Listed as a supporter of the Kent County Agricultural Society on the Virtual Living Land page.
• MorrisonsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMorrisons is listed as a supporter of the Kent County Agricultural Society on the Virtual Living Land page, supporting the charitable and educational activities.
• Agrovista UK LimitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAgrovista UK Limited is a leading supplier of agronomy advice, seed, crop protection products and precision farming services. Listed as a supporter on the Virtual Living Land page.
• Kent Federation of Young Farmers' ClubscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kent Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs collaborates with the Society on Living Land events and the Kent County Show, providing young farmers aged 10-28 to compete in livestock rings and participate in YFC showing rings. This partnership supports the Society's educational mission and youth engagement in agriculture.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Kent Event Centre (comparison venue): Strictly speaking, KCAS's own subsidiary venue. Listed here as a peer for context: comparable regional UK event venues (e.g., East of England Arena, Yorkshire Event Centre) compete with Kent Event Centre for corporate and conference bookings.

Direct peers

• Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (Royal Highland Show): Operates the Royal Highland Show, Scotland's premier agricultural show with ~200,000 visitors, from a permanent showground (Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston). Direct comparable as a long-established UK agricultural society running flagship shows, educational programs, and venue hire, with a comparable membership, sponsorship, and ticketing model.
• Yorkshire Agricultural Society (Great Yorkshire Show): Charity hosting the Great Yorkshire Show, one of the UK's largest agricultural events, at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate. Closely comparable as a regional agricultural society with a permanent showground, education programs (Countryside Days for schoolchildren), and venue hire activities.
• South of England Agricultural Society: Operates the South of England Show and Ardingly Showground in West Sussex, focusing on agricultural education and rural community engagement. Geographically the closest peer to KCAS within the South East, with a similar education-focused mission and year-round showground activities.
• Royal Welsh Agricultural Society: Runs the Royal Welsh Show, a four-day flagship agricultural event held at the permanent showground in Llanelwedd. Same foundational model as KCAS: registered charity, permanent showground, livestock, equine, trade stands, and educational programs targeting the farming community in its region.
• Royal Bath and West of England Society: Charity running the Royal Bath and West Show plus other events (including the Dairy Show) at the Bath and West Showground. Direct comparable as a long-established UK agricultural society with permanent showground, educational outreach, and venue hire.
• Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (Royal Norfolk Show): Charity operating the Royal Norfolk Show, the largest two-day agricultural show in the UK, plus education initiatives. Same agricultural society structure, permanent showground (Norfolk Showground), and revenue mix of ticketing, membership, trade stands, and sponsorship.
• Royal Three Counties (Three Counties Agricultural Society): Operates the Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern, Worcestershire, covering Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. Similar charity-run regional agricultural show with livestock, equine, food, and heritage content, plus an Education Team delivering school programs.

Emerging players

• NFU (National Farmers' Union): UK's largest farming membership organization, a sponsor of KCAS's Kent Farming Conference and Farm Expo. Comparable in providing a community and advocacy platform for farmers, but does not run flagship shows or own permanent showgrounds.
• CLA (Country Land and Business Association): Membership organization representing rural landowners and businesses in England and Wales. Comparable as a membership-based rural advocacy organization sponsoring KCAS events, but focused on policy and members services rather than running shows/venues directly.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/kentcountyshow?lang=en
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UChs8E8OQFUqTCJLxGlyuyag
• Facebookfacebook.com/kentcountyshow/?locale=en_GB
• LinkedInuk.linkedin.com/company/kent-county-agricultural-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/kentcountyshow

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kent County Agricultural Society