The Royal Show

Pietermaritzburg’s Royal Show has been going for nearly two centuries – 169 years to be exact! The Royal Show is Africa’s largest mixed agricultural show that encompasses animal showing, auctioneering, exhibits, a variety of stalls and many, many events and activities for all ages.

As the farming heartland of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg was founded in 1851 to bring farmers and industry experts together to educate the public as well as entertain them. The Showgrounds have grown over the years from a humble setup in the market square to a whopping eighteen hectares.

The Show was granted its ‘Royal’ status in 1905 by King Edward VII, who recognised it as KZN’s leading agricultural and commercial exposition.

Today, the Royal Show and all its glory attract an average of 220 000 individuals from far and wide, all gathering to wonder at the agricultural prowess of South Africa.

Taken from
https://www.ecr.co.za/royal-show-2019/history-of-the-royal-show-/