The Royal Agricultural Society of KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that the much-loved and anticipated Royal Agricultural Show will return in 2026 at a new venue, following a challenging two years.
Photo: Facebook | Tweedie Hall
The Royal Agricultural Society’s (RAS) general manager, Wayne Muller, announced in a press release that the 2026 Royal Show would be held at Tweedie Hall in Howick from 29 May to 3 June, marking the 175th anniversary of the iconic agricultural exhibition.
“[With Tweedie Hall] as a new home for the Royal Agricultural Show in 2026, we will be able to host and exhibit the best of [KwaZulu-Natal] and South Africa’s agriculture and related [industries],” he said.
The move to Tweedie Hall follows a turbulent period for the show. Following its relocation from the historic Pietermaritzburg showgrounds in 2024 and amid regulatory constraints, the RAS was forced to cancel the 2025 event entirely.
Earlier hopes of a scaled-down “half show” were scrapped after local government restrictions prevented the inclusion of key commercial and industrial displays, such as farm machinery and equipment.
Tweedie Hall is a historic Midlands property built in 1892 and declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 1989.
Muller said its facilities and location offered exciting opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike as the RAS prepared a landmark anniversary celebration. He added that more details would be released as arrangements progressed.
Despite the cancellation of the show this year, industry stakeholders are optimistic about next year’s event.
“The Royal Show is a major event on the agricultural calendar, and it was a great loss for the industry this year. But now we have the 2026 show to look forward to at a new venue.
“As a former judge, I am excited to see what the new venue will lend to the event,” Derek le Roux, an inspector at the Limousin Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa, told Farmer’s Weekly.
Discovery Brahman Stud in Limpopo also expressed excitement about the new venue and would be participating in the 2026 show.
Planning for the 2026 show is already under way, with the RAS inviting farmers, exhibitors, and supporters to share ideas through its Great Royal Survey.
