Snape and Well Village Show

Held annually on August Bank Holiday Monday in Snape Institute entries are accepted from the residents of Snape & Well for the following categories:-

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Plant in Pot
• Flower Arrangements
• Cut Flowers
• Photography
• Adult Craft
• Cookery
• Children’s Handwriting, Craft, Painting & Picture
• Children’s General Section – various classes

The Children’s Classes are open to all children with an association with the villages of Snape or Well. 

Additionally, entertainment and activities take place on Snape Village green – tombola, ,side shows, live entertainment, children’s sports, etc.

The Snape Local History Group and Snape Textile Group hold exhibitions at Laurel Grove from 1pm on the day.

Teas are available throughout the afternoon in the Methodist Chapel Schoolroom.

Originally called the Thorp Perrow Tenants’ Show, the inaugural Show was held in 1892. There were competitons for farm produce, flowers, fruit and vegetables grown by tenants of the Estate. Music for dancing was provided by Bedale Volunteer Band, a tea was given to all and there was a cricket match. Initially taking place on the lawns at Thorp Perrow, the Show moved to Snape Village Institute in 1896.

In the early 20th century the Thorp Perrow estate was subject to a succession of land sales and, after Well parish was no longer included, Well launched its own Flower Show in 1904. Parishioners from the two villages joined together for one Show once again from 2016.

The Darlington & Stockton Times records the Sports at Snape on 1st August 1914: “Given fine weather the second annual sports at Snape on Bank Holiday promises to be a huge success. The open events include 100 yards, quarter mile and half mile flat handicaps, high jump, quoit match and musical ride and musical walk. With liberal prizes offered some interesting racing should be witnessed.” At some point the Snape Show and Snape Sports were merged to one event.

Early Shows included classes for farmers with classes for cows, other farm animals, and farm crops such as wheat, oats and turnips. The showing of farm animals discontinued in the late 1950s and that of farm crops in 1968. Some classes aimed at the children would be frowned on now – largest number of sparrow eggs (discontinued in 1963); largest number of white butterflies (discontinued in 1981); and a bunch of wild flowers (discontinued in 1981). Fair stalls and rides were held on the green in the early years of 20th century. Generally, at a similar time, there was a social event with music and dancing in the evening in the Institute.

The Show is managed and run by the following committee members:

Gilly Beach	Chairperson
Nick Imerson	Assistant Chairperson
Dianne Johnson	Secretary
Diana Philpot	Treasurer
Rebekah Duck	Committee Member
Claire Elsworth	Committee Member

The Annual General Meeting is usually held in April each year. Committee Meetings are held periodically in the lead-up to the Show and a post- Show Meeting review is usually held in September. All positions on the Committee will be reviewed at the April AGM. Additional members of the Committee are always welcome.

The Show is always supported by a very much appreciated group of “helpers”. The Show is reliant on volunteers and anyone who would like to help should make contact with anyone on the Committee.

Show Schedule / Program has now been distributed – please consider what you might be entering into the Show. 

Additional Committee members are always welcome – please contact Claire Elsworth, Dianne Johnson or Diana Philpott if you are interested.

Annual General Meeting Minutes	Minutes from the AGM 7th April 2026
Annual Accounts	Annual accounts 2025
Constitution	Snape and Well Village Show Constitution
Show Schedule	Show Schedule 2026
Handwriting set piece (under 12 years)	Handwriting for Snape Show 2026
Show entry form	Entry form

For further information about the Show please contact the Secretary, Dianne Johnson, Salmon House, Snape or 01677 470244