What’s On in 2024

Inform, educate, inspire

The Festival aims to inform, educate and inspire, and to give you the opportunity to access information and advice from experienced practitioners that will support and encourage you in your future smallholding ventures.

We’ve got a packed Festival in 2024, below you’ll find all of the areas you can explore. There’s also a running order of the full programme of events and a map of the event:

Programme of events Bookable sessions
Thistle

Livestock shows

The best sheep, pigs and goats from smallholders across Scotland and beyond.

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Equine showcase

Showcasing our native equine breeds, and promoting equines in smallholding.

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Rural skills demonstrations

A brilliant array of craftspeople will be demonstrating their skills throughout the day.

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Trade Hall

Expert retailers supplying products geared towards smaller producers.

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Information Zone

Non-commercial organisations providing information and services to smallholders.

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Seminars

Three streams of talks catering for everyone from novice to experienced smallholders.

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Skills Hub

Organisations offering skills training services to smallholders and farmers.

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Food Court

Making sure our visitors (and exhibitors) can enjoy the best of local food.

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Smallholders’ Market

Small businesses selling products featuring produce from their own holdings.

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Breed societies

Breed societies play a vital role in protecting and promoting our native breeds.

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Arts, Craft & Design Zone

Featuring makers and crafters selling products made from their own produce.

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Cattle Showcase

Cattle are a viable option for smallholders, meet the breeds in our showcase.

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Rural Skills Competition

Our Rural Skills Competition is a chance for EVERYONE to get involved in the Festival.

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Alpacas

Meet and learn more about these intelligent, enquiring, sensitive and productive animals.

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