From its inception in 1869 until its move to a permanent showground in 1959 the annual Lincolnshire Show was a moveable feast. The first show was held on the Cowpaddle, an area of common land to the south of Lincoln, but thereafter the show moved around the county.

The 1870 show was staged at Sleaford and subsequent events took place all over Lincolnshire, from Gainsborough and Brigg in the north to Stamford and Bourne in the south.

A permanent home for the Lincolnshire Show was first discussed in 1945 for reasons of economy; subscriptions were down and costs were up, though opinion was divided among members of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society as to whether a permanent showground was the answer.

Redundant airfields were considered as a location, as was the West Common in Lincoln, but despite a number of suggestions and inspections a suitable site proved hard to come by.

Ultimately the choice came down to three sites: land in Nettleham parish adjoining the Riseholme Farm Institute, the former airfield of Dunholme Lodge and the current site at Grange-de-Lings.

Discussions began with the owner of the present site, Lord Monson, in 1957, the land was duly purchased and work began in May 1958 to turn the site into a permanent showground.

The new site was thoughtfully planned: there were to be three miles of avenue; the grandstand was to face north or east; the Members’ Enclosure must not cut off exhibitors; the public entrance should not come through the stock; and services for all could be provided.

After 13 hectic months of planning and activity the 76th Lincolnshire Show in 1959 was thus the first to be staged at the new permanent showground. Attendance was probably a record at the time with over 47,000 attending over the two days. The number of cars arriving was certainly the highest ever at 15,000.

At last the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society had a permanent and fitting home for the famous Lincolnshire Show, and there it has stayed ever since.