The Ellesmere A&P Show - come and see what’s on offer!

A fun day out for the whole family!

Ellesmere A&P SHOW |‍ ‍Saturday 17th October 2026

Full Steam Ahead - Katoa te mamaoa i mua

“Celebrating the evolution of machinery and it’s impact on New Zealand farming.”

What’s on Offer at the Ellesmere A&P Show

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Family Fun!

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Show Attractions

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Feature Competitons

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See you at the Show!

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What’s on Offer at the Ellesmere A&P Show * Family Fun! * Show Attractions * Feature Competitons * See you at the Show! *


Our annual Ellesmere A&P Show is always packed full of traditional animal competitions along with exciting entertainment, showcases and market stalls for the whole family.

The 2026 Ellesmere A&P Show is powering Full Steam Ahead– Katoa te mamaoa i mua’, celebrating the evolution of machinery and its impact on New Zealand farming. From the early steam engines that transformed Canterbury’s agricultural scene to today’s smart, efficient technology, this year’s theme honours the machines that have driven progress across generations. It’s a nod to both our rural heritage and the innovation shaping the future of food production.

Show President Alastair Barnett, an arable and sheep farmer from Lakeside, brings a deep passion for the role machinery plays in modern agriculture. For him, these tools are essential partners in growing food locally and globally while improving productivity, sustainability and the everyday lives of farmers and the wider community and economies. ‘Full Steam Ahead’ captures that spirit of momentum, celebrating how far we’ve come and the exciting path ahead.

  • A woman in white shirt handling a black and white Holstein cow at an indoor livestock event, with people seated on bleachers in the background.

    Family Fun

    From miniature horses to live music and talent competitions - Bring the whole family for a day out in the country!

  • Comic-style illustration of a vintage microphone with a red and yellow burst background on orange and dotted backdrop.

    Feature Competitions

    Selwyn’s Got Talent, Wearable Arts, Top Team Challenge, Smoke @ the Lake Challenge, Down to the Wire Fencing Competition!

  • An outdoor event or festival with a crowd of people gathered around a construction project, involving building a wooden fence or structure. There are classic cars parked nearby, tents, flags, and a horse riding activity in the background.

    Show Attractions

    Come and experience a day packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family.

    Don’t miss the main events - the gates open at 8:00am. See you then!

  • A vintage steam-powered traction engine with large, spoked wheels on a grassy field, with flags and people nearby at an outdoor event.

    'Full Steam Ahead'

    Celebrating 75 years of Cochranes and the engines of yesteryear!

Membership

Become a member. Support your local community and become a member of the Ellesmere A&P Association.

For PAYMENTS prior to  25th September 2026 : Receive a double pass to this year’s event for just $20.00.

Other benefits include preferential membership parking and discounted entry fees for show day exhibitors in some competitions.

Thank You to our Sponsors