05/08/2025
Ave Vale Show to have a fallow year in 2026
The Axe Vale Show (which is a fundraising project for the charity, The Axe Vale Festival Ltd) has taken the decision to make 2026 a fallow year and to return with a new community-based event for all in 2027.
Since Covid there have been many changes in both retail and public spending and, whilst we continue to receive support from our exhibitors and attendees, the financial picture for local, agricultural and county shows has changed.
Originally set up in 1995 to support the Flamingo Pool, we have donated over £235,000 to the Pool, more than £50,000 to Axminster Heritage and in excess of £200,000 to a number of other causes. In 2009 the Show’s Trustees updated its charitable status from just supporting Flamingo Pool to supporting Axminster and the surrounding areas for sport, welfare, social, economic and a range of other causes. We are delighted to have supported so many of these groups.
Whilst we can draw a lot of positives from recent Shows, the economic climate has changed and, as Trustees of a charity we have a responsibility to respect and nurture the funds we hold so that we can continue to support local organisations that fall within our aims. We are extremely proud of the donations we have been able to make in recent years.
Our show is run by volunteers (who have a good range of commercial and show experience) and who have worked tirelessly, together with generous sponsorship and support from local businesses, to bring the show to the community.
We have always strived to kept costs down for exhibitors, held entrance tickets prices static, offered free spaces to floral exhibitors etc., for those who needed it and those we felt would enhance the Show.
It costs around £100,000 to put the Show on, which includes the provision of water, electric, security, toilets, marquees, insurance, advertising, governance and so much more (but not a penny to our organising committee).
We would like to thank everyone involved in bringing the Axe Vale Show to the local community and look forward to introducing new plans to support the charities and organisations in Axminster.
