‘Hold your Horses’ COUNTRYTASTIC 2026 for a full day of family fun.

CountryTastic, the much-loved countryside and farming event, returns this Easter to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, on Thursday, 2^nd April 2026, offering a full day of adventure for families and children. For 2026 the theme is ‘Hold Your Horses’, which celebrates all things equestrian. Young visitors can learn how to care for horses, enjoy pony rides, and take part in interactive activities.

New to CountryTastic this year is the Hobby Horse Arena, run by the Hobby Horse Association. Children of all abilities will have the chance to trot, jump and compete in a lively, welcoming environment. Once imaginative play, hobby horsing has grown into a widely popular and fun recognised sport, with national championships for children.

Audience participation is a must at the Mini Pony Show, where ponies Rolo and Sprout will truly entertain spectators with their tricks, jumps and musical talents. The pony shows are set in a vintage-inspired presentation and give an insight into equestrian performing arts.

Visitors will also get the chance to see 9 year old showjumper and YouTube sensation Jumping with Ivy, who will be dazzling the crowd with her pony skills.

Alongside the horse and pony theme, CountryTastic offers heaps of hands-on farming and rural life experiences, with fun educational activities for children. Meet pigs, lambs, goats, and donkeys and discover fascinating facts on the animals from the friendly farmers. Across the show, three entertainment rings will deliver non-stop action. With dog agility and rescue dog displays in the Paw Parade ring, Malvern Pony Club and Birds of Prey in the Countryside Arena and tacking and grooming demos as well as a lively mock livestock auction in the Livestock Ring.

Visit the Alpaca Cafe, where you’ll get to see fluffy alpacas eating their favourite treats, a truly wonderful experience for all ages.  For young farming enthusiasts, there are real tractor and trailer rides to hop on. Children can try pedal tractors and bale lifters (using foam bales for easy lifting) – just like a real farmer.

The Rabbit Ranch gives visitors an insight into how to care for pet rabbits, the food they like to eat and how to make their pens a comfortable home, all courtesy of the Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

For those who love crafting, there are plenty of activities to take part in that offers creative play. Young makers can explore spinning and weaving demonstrations led by the Worcester Guild of Spinners, showing how fibres are transformed into yarn. Other crafting areas include willow weaving, clay modelling,  and food workshops including bread making, cheese pressing and creating your own chocolate treats with Chocotastic.

Visitors will also have the chance to spot some familiar faces; Peter Rabbit and Peppa Pig will be bringing extra fun as they visit the showground too.

CountryTastic combines education and entertainment, making it the perfect Easter holiday day out. The 2026 headline sponsor is Malvern St James School, an independent day and boarding school located in Great Malvern.

Further information on the show is available at  www.countrytastic.co.uk. Ticket prices are £11 for adults and £6 for children 3-15 years old (under 2 yrs old free), plus transaction and service fees. Tickets can be purchased here.