Why Westpoint is Devon's Premier Agricultural Event Venue

Westpoint was specifically built to host the annual Devon County Show, and agriculture remains at the heart of everything we do. Unlike generic event venues, we understand the unique requirements of agricultural events – from heavy machinery access to outdoor demonstration areas, livestock facilities to educational spaces.

The Devon County Show has called Westpoint home since 1990

Our Agricultural Heritage

When Westpoint opened in 1990 on the former Ivington Farm site, it was purpose-built with one primary goal: to provide a permanent home for the Devon County Show. This founding purpose means every aspect of our facilities has been designed with agricultural events in mind. Over three decades later, we continue to serve the farming community while expanding our capabilities to host diverse agricultural events throughout the year.

Types of Agricultural Events We Host

Major Agricultural Events at Westpoint

Devon County Show

The region's flagship agricultural event, hosted at Westpoint every May since 1990. This three-day celebration of rural life attracts over 100,000 visitors and showcases the best of Devon's farming, food, and countryside. The show features livestock competitions, agricultural machinery displays, food and drink pavilions, rural crafts, and educational demonstrations.

Devon County Show celebrates the best of rural life and agricultural excellence

West Country Farming and Machinery Show

Major machinery manufacturers and dealers showcase the latest agricultural equipment and technology. Our extensive outdoor areas allow for full-scale demonstrations of tractors, harvesters, implements, and precision farming technology. Attendees can see equipment in action and speak directly with manufacturers and dealers.

The West Country Farming and Machinery Show showcases the latest agricultural equipment and technology

Agrifest

Agrifest is a premier event celebrating British farming, food, and rural enterprise. It features top livestock competitions, awards for the finest meat products, trade stands showcasing the latest in machinery and agri-tech, and expert talks on farming, sustainability, and rural business. A must-visit for anyone connected to or interested in agriculture.

Agrifest brings together the agricultural community for networking and business development

Farmwise Education Day

An innovative educational programme that connects thousands of primary school children with Devon's farming heritage. Children experience hands-on activities, meet farm animals, learn about food production, and understand the vital role of agriculture in our communities. This annual event welcomes students from across the region for an immersive farming education experience.

Farmwise brings thousands of primary school children face-to-face with farming

Facilities for Agricultural Events

Outdoor Demonstration Areas

Our 150 acres of external grounds provide exceptional flexibility for agricultural events. The extensive outdoor space can be configured for various purposes:

• Test Driving Areas: Large, open spaces perfect for demonstrating agricultural machinery and vehicles, with various terrain options available
• Equipment Display Zones: Organise machinery displays with ample space between exhibits for safe viewing and operation
• Practical Workshop Areas: Dedicated spaces for hands-on demonstrations like stone wall building, hedgerow management, and traditional crafts
• Livestock Facilities: Purpose-built areas for livestock shows, handling, and demonstrations with appropriate utilities and support facilities
• Educational Zones: Safe, controlled areas for school groups and public engagement activities

150 acres of versatile outdoor space for agricultural demonstrations

Indoor Exhibition Space

Our main arena offers over 4,500m² of column-free indoor space, ideal for:

• Agricultural trade stands and exhibitions
• Livestock competitions and shows
• Food and drink showcases
• Rural crafts and produce displays
• Seminars and presentations
• Weather-protected demonstration areas

Over 4,500m² of column-free indoor space perfect for agricultural exhibitions

Supporting Facilities

Why Choose Westpoint for Your Agricultural Event

Unmatched Space and Flexibility

With 150 acres at your disposal, Westpoint offers space that simply isn't available at conventional venues. Whether you need room for tractor demonstrations, livestock displays, or large-scale exhibitions, our grounds can accommodate your requirements. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces allows for comprehensive events regardless of weather conditions.

Agricultural Expertise

Our team has decades of experience hosting agricultural events. We understand the unique challenges of farming shows – from machinery logistics to livestock welfare, timing demonstrations around weather conditions to managing large rural audiences. This expertise ensures smooth operations and successful outcomes.

Outstanding Accessibility

Located at Junction 30 of the M5, Westpoint is easily accessible for attendees from across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, and beyond. Free parking for over 2,000 vehicles means visitors never face parking hassles, while our location in the Devon countryside provides an authentic rural setting without sacrificing convenience.

Year-Round Availability

Unlike seasonal showgrounds, Westpoint operates year-round with facilities suitable for events in any weather. Our indoor arena ensures exhibitions can proceed regardless of conditions, while our outdoor spaces take advantage of Devon's temperate climate during spring, summer, and autumn.

Strong Community Connections

As the home of the Devon County Show and hub of regional agricultural activity, Westpoint has strong relationships throughout the farming community. We can help connect your event with relevant stakeholders, suppliers, and agricultural organisations across the Southwest.

Planning Your Agricultural Event

Space Configuration

Our events team works with you to design the optimal layout for your agricultural event. We can configure spaces for:

• Sequential demonstrations with spectator areas
• Multiple simultaneous activities across indoor and outdoor zones
• Safe separation between heavy machinery and public areas
• Efficient flow for large visitor numbers
• Flexible layouts that adapt to changing weather conditions

Technical Support

Agricultural events often require specialised technical arrangements. Westpoint provides:

• Heavy-duty electrical connections for equipment demonstrations
• PA systems for commentary and announcements across large outdoor areas
• WiFi connectivity for precision farming demonstrations and digital engagement
• Lighting for indoor livestock shows and evening events
• Support for audio-visual presentations and seminars

Safety and Regulations

We maintain comprehensive health and safety standards appropriate for agricultural events, including:

• Risk assessments for machinery demonstrations
• Crowd management for large rural events
• First aid and emergency response capabilities
• Appropriate insurance coverage
• Compliance with agricultural show regulations
• Livestock welfare facilities and protocols

Seasonal Considerations for Agricultural Events

Spring Events

Spring marks the start of the farming calendar and is our busiest season for agricultural events. The Devon County Show in May is the highlight, but we host numerous other events during this period. Spring offers excellent conditions for outdoor demonstrations, though Devon weather can be changeable. Our indoor facilities provide weather protection while maintaining connection to outdoor areas.

Summer Agricultural Activity

Summer sees continued agricultural show activity, particularly machinery demonstrations and educational events. The longer daylight hours and generally settled weather make this an excellent time for outdoor events. Farmwise and similar educational programmes typically run during term time in early summer.

Autumn and Winter

Autumn brings harvest-related events and agricultural business shows. As weather becomes less predictable, our indoor facilities become increasingly valuable while still allowing outdoor demonstrations when conditions permit. Winter sees more focus on indoor trade shows and industry conferences, though our all-weather facilities can support outdoor activities year-round.