Annual Show 2026

The Annual Show is still going ahead on Saturday 5th September. However, following the exceptionally challenging growing conditions this year, it will take place in a reduced and more informal format.

The extreme weather has had a significant impact on what many members have been able to grow. Rather than cancel the event, we want everyone to still have the opportunity to take part without worrying about meeting all of the usual show requirements.

What is changing?

For fruit and vegetables, members may bring one item of any fruit or vegetable, rather than the usual quantities specified for individual classes.
Fruit and vegetable produce will be displayed informally rather than as part of the full scheduled competition structure.
Flowers, crafts, baking, preserves and children's entries will continue where possible.
Trophy competitions will not be awarded this year.
A small number of individual classes may still be judged where sufficient entries are received, with first, second and third places awarded where appropriate.
An external judge will still be invited for the classes being judged.
Best Kept Front Garden and Hanging Basket will not be judged this year.

📍 Date, venue and timings remain unchanged.

Parking will also be available at Almond Hill for members and visitors.

Please still take part!

This year the emphasis is on participation, community and celebrating what members have managed to achieve despite such a difficult growing season.

Whether it's one particularly good tomato, a courgette, some flowers, something you've baked or something you've made, we'd still love you to bring it along.

A Special Thank You

The SGAA Committee would like to sincerely thank the Show Committee Team and Executive Committee for the considerable time and effort they have already put into organising this year's event, and for adapting the arrangements at short notice.

We hope members, families and friends will continue to support the show and join us for an enjoyable community event on 5th September.

SGAA Committee

SGAA

88th Autumn Community Show
Schedule

St Nicholas Parish Church • 5th September 2026
Doors open 2pm • Entrance is FREE

🌱 Enter the Show Online

Vegetables Flowers Floral Art Cookery Photography Juniors Handicrafts

Produce Stall • Refreshments • Tombola

Questions / help?
Email: events@sgaa.co.uk

Entries are now open.
Online entries close 30th August 2026.
Special 2026 arrangements apply: if you only have one fruit or vegetable to bring, use Heatwave Hero Class 101 (vegetable) or Class 102 (fruit).

Download the Show Schedule

Prefer to view or print the full schedule? You can download the original 2026 PDF schedule below.

Please note: the schedule was produced before the revised arrangements for this year were agreed. The update at the top of this page takes priority where arrangements differ. The original competition classes remain available, while Heatwave Hero Classes 101 and 102 provide a simple one-item option for fruit and vegetables.

📄 Download Show Schedule PDF

Entries Are Now Open

Please use the form below to submit your entries for the 88th Autumn Community Show. Entry is free, and the show is open to everyone.

Online entries close 30th August 2026.
The normal show classes remain available for anyone who is able to meet the listed class requirements. If the growing conditions mean you only have one fruit or vegetable to bring, please choose Heatwave Hero Class 101 (vegetable) or Class 102 (fruit).

A Very Warm Welcome to the S.G.A.A. Annual Show 2026!

We’re delighted that the Annual Show will still be taking place on 5th September 2026, despite what has been an exceptionally challenging growing season.

The full schedule remains available for members who are able to enter the traditional classes. However, we know that many growers simply have not had the quantity of produce they would normally expect. That is why we have added Heatwave Hero Class 101 for one vegetable of any kind and Class 102 for one fruit of any kind.

Flowers, crafts, baking, preserves, photography and children’s entries will continue where possible. A small number of individual competition classes receiving sufficient entries may still be judged, but trophy competitions will not be awarded this year.

Above all, this year’s show is about participation, community and celebrating what people have managed to grow and make in difficult conditions. Please bring along whatever you can and help us make it an enjoyable day for everyone.

Warmest wishes,
The S.G.A.A. Show Team

Entry Deadlines

Online entries for the Annual Show close on 30th August 2026.

Entries for the Sunflower, Scarecrow and Best Kept Allotment competitions closed on 8th August 2026. Best Front Garden and Best Hanging Basket will not be judged this year.

Entry Format

Photography entries to be 6x4 in size and backed on white paper. Please ensure your items are clearly labelled with the entrant’s name and class number on the back. Please remember to bring your items on the show day so they can be displayed between 08:30 AM and 10:30 AM on show day.

Show Day Timings

Time	What’s happening
08:30 – 10:30	Staging of entries and informal produce displays
11:30 – 13:00	Judging of the individual classes being judged this year
14:00	Show opens to the public with stalls, displays, and activities
From 15:00	Results for judged classes announced or displayed where appropriate
After 16:00	Entries and exhibits may be removed

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can exhibit in the show?

The show is open to everyone! Whether you're entering a vegetable, flower, craft, or baking item, the only rule is that you must have grown it yourself or made it yourself. There will be show stewards available to help with staging if it is your first time!

Must I have an allotment to take part?

No! We welcome entries from gardens, balconies, and even window boxes.

Do I need to live in Stevenage?

Not at all. You can be from anywhere and still take part in the show.

I don’t think I’m good enough…

Please do take part! This year especially, the emphasis is on participation, community and celebrating what people have managed to grow and make in difficult conditions. It really is the taking part that counts.

Do I have to pay to enter?

No — entry to the show is completely free for all exhibitors.

What if I’m unsure which class my item fits into?

Don’t worry — we’re happy to help. You can email us or speak to a steward on the day. If you only have one fruit or vegetable to bring, use Heatwave Hero Class 101 for a vegetable or Class 102 for a fruit.

Need help or have more questions?

Please get in touch at: events@sgaa.co.uk

Allotment Show Rules

Staging

Entries must be staged between 08:30 AM and 10:30 AM on show day. Late entries will not be accepted.

Judging

Judging of the individual classes being run this year will take place between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Classes will only be judged where appropriate and where sufficient entries are received. The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Conduct

All participants are expected to behave respectfully and support the community spirit of the event. Any form of misconduct may result in disqualification.

Photography and Media

By entering, participants agree that their entries may be photographed and used for SGAA promotional purposes unless otherwise stated.

Safety

All entries must be safe and suitable for public display. No hazardous materials or sharp objects are permitted.

Removal of Entries

Entries and exhibits may be removed after 4:00 PM.

How you can help

Please help by contributing cakes and savouries for the Refreshments area prior to the day.

We would also welcome contributions for the Tombola during the weeks before the Show. Please bring them to the Shop during opening hours.

Please consider helping, even in a small way, with preparations for the Show:

Setting up tents and stalls
Tidying common areas
Putting up notices
Manning the stalls on the day

We will be putting out a list of jobs that you can sign up for nearer to the time of the Show. If you are interested in helping please email events@sgaa.co.uk.

Showing Hints – How to Impress the Judges!

These hints remain useful if you are entering one of the traditional classes being judged this year. If you are entering Heatwave Hero Class 101 or 102, simply bring the one fruit or vegetable you would like to display.

Check the S.G.A.A. website and Facebook page for updates, advice, and examples of past exhibits.
Ensure the plain side of your entry card is displayed during judging (your name must not be visible).
Judges prioritise quality and uniformity, not size alone.
Use white paper plates to display produce where suitable; spares will be available.
Use sand or onion rings to stage onions and shallots — sand will be available on the day.
Present entries neatly; avoid overcrowding in vegetable collections.
Label varieties where possible to help judges and add interest.
Check your entry carefully before leaving the staging area.

Hints for Specific Vegetables (Judging Criteria)

Vegetable	Judging Criteria
Beans (Runner or Dwarf)	Long, straight, even pods; fleshy and brittle with stalks.
Beetroot	Uniform size, deep shape, small tap roots, well-coloured, 3” (7.5cm) tied stem.
Cabbage	Medium size, firm hearts, clean well-formed leaves, 4” (10cm) stem.
Carrots	Medium size, even form, clear skin, bright colour, no side shoots, 3” (7.5cm) stalk.
Cauliflower	Medium size, firm, rounded, white and clean, 4” stem, free from stains.
Marrows	Medium size, approx. 9” (23cm) long, 3” (7.5cm) diameter.
Onions	Clear skin, globular shape, solid, neck tied with raffia, no splits or over-skinning.
Peas	Large, well-filled pods, deep green with bloom, clean and rust-free.
Potatoes	Medium size, disease-free, few shallow eyes, clear and fresh skin.

2025 Class Winners

Best Kept Allotment: Rebecca Cartey
Scarecrow: Frank Herring
Tallest Sunflower: Maureen Mott
Novice: Geoff Chambers
Fruit: Emma Smith
Flowers: Naomi Mitchell
Home Produce: Frank Herring
Heaviest Veg: Alex Fletcher
Site Tray: Steve Castle
Lady with Most Points: Naomi Mitchell
Gentleman with Most Points: Frank Herring

Show Classes (2026)

Special arrangements for 2026: the original show classes remain listed below and can still be entered if you are able to meet their normal requirements. If the difficult growing season means you only have one item to bring, choose Class 101 – Heatwave Hero: 1 vegetable of any kind or Class 102 – Heatwave Hero: 1 fruit of any kind. A small number of individual classes receiving sufficient entries may still be judged, but trophy competitions will not be awarded this year.

Vegetables – Novice

This section is open to S.G.A.A. members who have not won a first prize in either the Members or Open sections.

Class	Description
1	3 root vegetables of different kinds
2	2 onions of a similar size shown on a plate
3	2 chillies of the same variety
4	2 courgettes same variety of equal size
5	3 potatoes of the same variety and the same size
6	1 Cabbage any variety
7	1 Cauliflower

Vegetables – Open

Class	Description
8	3 onions, shown on plate with sand or on onion rings, all to exceed 225g weight
9	3 onions, shown on plate with sand or on onion rings, not to exceed 225g weight
10	3 white potatoes of equal size, shown on a plate
11	3 coloured potatoes of equal size, shown on a plate
12	5 runner beans with stalk, of equal size
13	5 French beans with stalk, of equal size, shown on a plate
14	2 sweetcorn shown on plate. Cobs should be displayed a quarter stripped
15	3 large tomatoes of equal size, shown on a plate with variety clearly labelled
16	5 tomatoes of any kind and colour, equal size, shown on a plate with variety clearly labelled
17	9 small or cherry tomatoes, equal size, shown on a plate with variety clearly labelled
18	1 truss of small or cherry tomatoes, shown on a plate
19	2 squash, same variety, of equal size
20	2 courgettes, same variety, of equal size
21	2 cucumbers, same variety and of equal size
22	3 sweet peppers, shown on a plate
23	3 chilli peppers, same variety, shown on a plate
24	1 cabbage, any variety
25	3 carrots, same variety, of equal size, shown on a plate
26	3 beetroot, same variety, of equal size, shown on a plate
27	3 of any other vegetables not in this section
28	1 plate of any 4 vegetables
29	1 pot of 3 kinds of mixed herbs
30	SGAA Growers Site Tray. For three or more plot holders to show produce & flowers grown on their plot/site. Will be judged on quality & variety of produce. Display to be arranged on SGAA Growers green tray available from Lawrence Avenue Shop. Flowers displayed in a SGAA Growers green vase.
101	Heatwave Hero; 1 vegetable of any kind

Novelty Vegetables

Class	Description
31	The longest Runner Bean
32	The longest carrot, as grown with foliage intact
33	A peculiar shaped vegetable
34	Heaviest Pumpkin
35	Heaviest Marrow
36	Heaviest Cabbage

Fruit

Class	Description
37	9 Blackberries with calycles attached, shown on plate
38	9 Raspberries with calycles attached, shown on plate
39	3 apples with stalks shown on a plate
40	3 pears with stalks shown on a plate
41	3 of any other fruit shown on a plate
102	Heatwave Hero; 1 fruit of any kind

Flowers

Class	Description
42	3 roses; single bloom
43	One single stemmed rose
44	1 vase 3 bloom dahlia
45	Sunflowers; 3 blooms
46	Three Sprays of Chrysanthemums
47	Asters x 3 stems
48	Largest Sunflower Head flat on table
49	3 Dahlias - Small Decorative or Semi Cactus (11 cm to 16 cm in size)
50	1 Gladioli Spike

Flower Arranging Classes (Novice)

Class	Description
51	A Great Story design to interpret a book title of your choice. Title to be stated and accessories allowed
52	A small round table centre piece using own choice of flowers and foliage (novice)
53	Flower arrangement ‘in a teapot’ space allowed 42cm width, 30cm depth
54	Flowering pot plant up to 230mm diameter pot from seed, bulb, corm or cutting
55	An exhibit in a shoebox accessories allowed

Flower Arranging Classes ( Advanced)

Class	Description
56	Exploding Wreath
57	Floral headdresses
58	Autumn Shower Display
59	Sustainable Floristry Innovation
60	Edible Floral Arrangements

Home Produce

Class	Description
61	Apple Pie (with pastry top and bottom)
62	Victoria Sponge any filling
63	4 scones, sweet or savoury
64	4 brownies or blondies
65	Jar Marmalade of any flavour
66	Jar of Jam any fruit
67	Jar of Chutney
68	Jar of pickled onions
69	Jar of Piccalilli *Recipe included below

Adult Photography (Photo maximum size 40 x 30 cm)

Class	Description
70	Reflections
71	Wildlife on the Plot — A photo capturing insects, birds, or other wildlife visiting the allotment.
72	Life on the Plot — A candid photo capturing daily life, work, or leisure on the allotment.
73	Seasonal Beauty — A photo showcasing the allotment in a particular season (spring, summer, autumn, or winter).
74	Harvest Highlights — A photo featuring freshly harvested produce in an artistic or natural setting.

Garden Classes

Class	Description
75	Best Front Garden
76	Best Hanging Basket

Adult Craft

Class	Description
77	A hand knitted item of clothing - free choice
78	Crocheted Item using “Granny Squares”
79	Cross Stitch or tapestry item (please label if kit or freestyle)
80	Set of Christmas Tags using any medium
81	Set of 3 Greeting Cards
82	Handmade Paper Flowers or Decorations

Environmental Excellence

Class	Description
83	Upcycled Garden Creation
84	Best Wildlife Habitat

Children’s Categories

Class	Description
85	Alphabet Letter (illustrated letter clearly showing the chosen letter and an allotment fruit, vegetable, plant, tool, or creature starting with that letter) (Ages 4–8)
86	Veggie Monster (Ages 4–8)
87	Collage of a Garden Scene (using torn paper, magazines, tissue paper) (Ages 4–8)
88	Folded Paper Caterpillar or Butterfly (Ages 4–8)
89	Download and colour a poster for next year’s show (Ages 4–8)
90	Handprint Flower Bouquet (painted or cut-out hand shapes) (Ages 4–8)
91	Painted Pebbles or Stones (nature or allotment theme) (Ages 4–8)
92	Homemade Bird Feeder (using recycled materials) (Ages 9–14)
93	Origami Garden (minimum 3 items: flower, insect, animal) (Ages 9–14)
94	Recycled Paper Sculpture (e.g. bird, tree, vegetable) (Ages 9–14)
95	Illustrated Storyboard: “A Day on the Allotment” (4–6 panels) (Ages 9–14)
96	Poem: “A Day in the Garden” — Any style, up to 12 lines (Ages 9–14)
97	Flower Arrangement in a mug (Ages 9–14)
98	Painted Pot Competition (Ages 15–17)
99	Vegetable Inspired Bake (Ages 15–17)
100	Design a Dream Allotment (Drawing or 3D Model) (Ages 15–17)

Piccalilli (Recipe)

Ingredients

450g/1lb each pickling onions (peeled), cauliflower florets, deseeded cucumber, topped & tailed French beans — all chopped into bite-sized pieces
340g/12oz coarse rock salt
750ml/1¼ pint white malt vinegar, cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp each English mustard powder, ground ginger and ground turmeric
1 tbsp whole yellow mustard seeds
2 cloves garlic, chopped
175g/6oz light muscovado sugar
2–3 tbsp cornflour
Warm large sterilised jam jars with screw tops

Method

Put the vegetables into a non-metallic bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the top, toss together, cover and leave in a cool place for 12 hours.
The next day put the vinegar into a large saucepan or preserving pan, add the spices and bring to the boil.
Drain the vegetables and rinse well under running water for 3–5 minutes. Add to the simmering vinegar, cook over a low heat for 20–25 minutes or until tender. Add the sugar and continue to simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Mix 2 tbsp of cornflour with a little water and blend into the hot vegetables. Bring back to the boil and cook for a further minute until glossy and thick. Add remaining cornflour in the same way if necessary.
Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 15 minutes. Spoon into hot jars and cover with a disc of wax paper and a screw top lid. Wipe and label. Store in a cool dark place for 3–4 weeks before eating.

(Included because Home Produce Class 69 is “Jar of Piccalilli”.)

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