2026 Main Arena Archive
Buckham Fair 2026 Displays
The Main Arena was at the heart of Buckham Fair 2026, with a full day of working dogs, heavy horses, equestrian displays, sheep racing and family entertainment.
From Benjamin Atkinson and The Action Horse Team to the Southern Golden Retriever Demonstration Team, the Lamb National and Buckham’s magnificent heavy horses, the arena brought together some of the most memorable sights of the fair.
Below you can revisit the complete 2026 Main Arena timetable and the displays that filled the day.
Main arena timetable
A Day in the Main Arena 2026
Buckham Fair 2026 brought together old favourites and new spectacles throughout the day.
The Southern Golden Retriever Demonstration Team returned with more than 20 dogs working together, while Benjamin Atkinson and The Action Horse Team brought spectacular horsemanship and liberty work to the arena.
Heavy horses featured throughout the programme, from the six-horse team and traditional drays to the final agricultural working display. The Lamb National provided rather less disciplined livestock entertainment, alongside the Buckham Dog Parade, Dog of the Day, Crufts freestyle and Ilminster Majorettes.
Together they made the Main Arena one of the defining parts of Buckham Fair 2026.
09:15 – 09:30
Southern Golden Retriever Demonstration Team
Watch these beautifully trained Golden Retrievers showcase impressive obedience, retrieving skills and the close partnership between handler and dog.
09:30 – 10:15
Heavy Horse Display (In Hand)
Meet some of Britain’s magnificent heavy horse breeds as expert handlers present them in hand, highlighting their strength, breeding and traditional role in rural life.
10:15 – 11:00
Benjamin Atkinson & The Action Horse Team
A spectacular display of horsemanship, liberty work and stunt riding from Benjamin Atkinson and his talented Action Horse Team.
11:00 – 11:15
Crufts 2024 Freestyle Champion
Enjoy a championship-winning canine freestyle performance featuring incredible precision, choreography and the remarkable bond between handler and dog.
11:30 – 12:00
The Lamb National Sheep Race
One of Buckham Fair’s most entertaining attractions. Cheer on the woolly competitors as they race for glory in this family favourite, kindly sponsored by Framptons.
12:00 – 12:30
Heavy Horse 6 Horse Team
Witness the power and precision of six magnificent heavy horses working together in perfect harmony under the guidance of experienced teamsters.
12:30 – 12:45
Buckham Dog Parade
Dogs of every shape, size and breed take to the arena. Bring your camera and enjoy one of the fair’s most heart-warming traditions.
12:45 – 13:15
Dog of the Day
The judges select Buckham Fair’s Dog of the Day from the parade entrants, celebrating personality, character and canine charm.
13:30 – 13:45
Ilminster Majorettes
A colourful performance featuring baton twirling, dance routines and energetic entertainment from the talented Ilminster Majorettes.
13:45 – 14:15
Heavy Horse Drays Display
Step back in time as traditional heavy horses demonstrate the impressive skill required to pull historic brewery drays and working wagons.
14:15 – 14:30
Southern Golden Retriever Demonstration Team
A second chance to enjoy this popular demonstration of skilled retrieving, obedience and teamwork from these wonderful working dogs.
14:45 – 15:30
Benjamin Atkinson & The Action Horse Team
Don’t miss a second thrilling performance packed with expert horsemanship, liberty work and breathtaking equestrian displays.
15:45 – 16:15
The Lamb National Sheep Race
The sheep are back for another hilarious race. Pick your favourite and see if they can make it to the finish line first.
16:30 – 17:15
Heavy Horse Agricultural Display
See Britain’s gentle giants doing what they were bred for with a traditional agricultural working demonstration showcasing their strength, skill and heritage.
Display timings may be adjusted on the day to suit arena conditions.
About The Arena Events
If you have visited us before, you’ll know a little about our Arena and the events and spectacles that will be filling it throughout the day. If you haven’t visited us before, you will be in for a day of treats and delights.
We have a non-stop line-up with old favourites like our wonderful Golden Retriever Display team, which consists of over 20 Golden Retrievers moving as one (most of the time)
Another huge favourite is One Man and his Gun Dogs. A master class in dog obedience. We have ridden Heavy Horse displays and Ladies Driven Carts.
We have trot pasts and walk throughs involving Horses and Dogs all day long, with experts on hand to talk to you in both our Dog Village or in our ‘Heavy Horse World’ about their animals and their specialities.
Plan Your Day at Buckham Fair
With a full programme of arena displays taking place throughout the day, there’s always something to see at Buckham Fair. From working dogs and heavy horses to sheep racing, equestrian displays and family favourites, you can plan your visit around the events that interest you most.
Take a look at the display timetable below to see what’s happening, where and when. We look forward to welcoming you to Buckham Fair 2026 for what promises to be another fantastic day out in Dorset.
Visitors FAQ
A day around the main arena
The 2026 programme moved from skilled dog displays and the Lamb National to working horses, traditional drays and the Action Horse Team. It was the range—not simply the timetable—that gave the arena its character.
Action and horsemanship
Working-horse heritage
