Steve Parkes has had an excellent two years as chairman of Moreton Show and will be a hard act to follow when he steps down later this year. He is one of only two people to have chaired the Show twice.
Steve Parkes’ legacy at Moreton Show
Steve has worked in the agricultural industry for over half a century and is a leading breeder of Cotswold Lion sheep, having won many awards displaying his sheep at country shows across the region. He served as the Princess Royal’s farm manager and introduced Prince Charles (as he then was) to the Cotswold Lion sheep in Northleach. The breed outlasted the Roman Empire and the Black Death, and contributed to the wealth of the Cotswolds, as reflected in some of the area’s historic churches.
Steve has been a huge supporter of the Show, including promoting the annual Bluebell Tractor Run in support of Cancer Research UK. He has already prepared the route for the 2027 run.
His innovative chairmanship also brought free admission for children up to 12 years old this year, along with a significant increase in the Show’s promotional budget to boost interest and attendance. Thousands of homes in and around Moreton-in-Marsh received leaflets about the Show, including the option to buy tickets early at a discount.
Introducing incoming chairman Simon Randall
Steve is due to hand over the reins later this year. Subject to confirmation at the Show’s annual general meeting in mid-September, Simon Randall will be elected chairman for two years, with Simon Bing as his vice-chairman.
Simon has a long, if rather different, association with the Show, having started sponsoring the goat class in 1987 and later other classes such as Highland cattle and native pure breeds. His love of English honey, which he is keen to promote, has led him to provide prizes for the best jar of honey from English bees.
He has had a Cotswold base for 40 years, first in nearby Blockley and now in Shipton-under-Wychwood, and a long association with the area through founding the local charity Friends of the Cotswolds, which owns the Old Prison at Northleach and supports apprentices in rural crafts. He has also been a member of the Cotswolds Conservative Board and served as President of the Show in 2019.
In his own words
Simon Randall said: “It is an honour becoming chairman of the Moreton Show and, like Steve Parkes, I will be promoting the importance of agriculture and moving towards the nation becoming self-sufficient with its food production. This year’s drought has been another worrying reminder for our farmers of just how important that drive towards self-sufficiency really is. As the leading one-day show in the Cotswolds…”
What’s next for the Show
Once confirmed in the role, Simon hopes to expand membership of the Show through special events and to promote volunteering, which sits at the heart of both Show Day and its specialist organising committees.
Moreton Show returns on Saturday 5 September 2026. Children aged 12 and under go free.