Thought of as the top in the show hierarchy, this event represents the pinnacle of the breeding season, winning the coveted Isherwood Trophy and being crowned as the National Championship Best In Show is the ultimate accolade for any poultry enthusiast.  The National is the event every fancier wants to win and attracts around 7,000 entries with every conceivable breed and colour of poultry exhibited. The Specialist Breed Clubs usually hold their Club Shows at this event and attendance is highly recommended.

These shows are held at the prestigious agricultural events that are fortunate to enjoy Royal patronage. There are currently nine Royal shows:

• Royal Bath & West
• Royal Berkshire
• Royal Cheshire
• Royal Cornwall
• Royal Highland
• Royal Norfolk
• Royal Three Counties
• Royal Ulster (Balmoral Show)
• Royal Welsh
   

Shows designated as Championship shows are regarded by the Poultry Club of Great Britain Board of Trustees as main shows with entries in excess of 500 birds.  In awarding this status the Council take into account the entries over a three year period with certain criteria to be met as regards classes scheduled.

Embossed cards are awarded to Best in Show, Reserve and the main section winners.

Cards bearing the plumes of HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Poultry Club, are awarded to winners of the Bronze award for Best "Utility breed".

Championship Shows

January: Scottish National; Selston; The Northern Poultry Show

February: Devon Fanciers; High Peak Poultry Club; North of England; Peebles and District; Reading; Ulster Federation

March: Northumberland Poultry Society

May: Lichfield & District Poultry Club (Staffordshire County Show)

June: North Yorkshire County

July: Great Yorkshire; Nantwich; Stithians Agricultural Society

August: Bakewell Agricultural Show; Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society

September: Malvern Autumn Show; Nidderdale Agricultural Society

October: Bugle; Countryside Live (Harrogate); Eden Valley; Gorran, St Ewe & Sticker Fanciers; Hants & Berks; Oswestry & District Poultry Society; Welsh Federation

November: Egremont; Southport & Ormskirk Bantam Society

December: Ballymena; Dyfed (Welsh National); Holme & District Poultry Fanciers; Ribble Valley Poultry Society

 At Championship shows the following conditions have to be met:

1. The club or show to be affiliated to the Poultry Club.

2. The show is held under Poultry Club Rules.

3. The majority of the judges making the awards are recognised as Poultry Club Judges.

4. To award the section cards the minimum number of classes and entries for each section are:

NB Separate Cards for Goose, Heavy Duck, Light Duck and Bantam Duck are awarded when there are 4 classes.

Utility here means pure breeds. It is possible for shows to put on a class for Hybrids if requested.

5. The bronze awards are given to the best exhibit in sections a.-k. One exhibit cannot win two awards, it qualifies only for the award of the section in which it is entered.

6.  Juvenile Classes for Bronze Awards are open to juniors aged from 5 to 16 years of age on the day of the show

7.  Junior Handlers can compete in special classes in front of a judge when their knowledge of the breed, handling and show preparation are assessed in addition to the quality of the exhibit.  Junior Handler classes are open to juniors aged from 5 to 16 years of age on the day of the show, and different age classes may be scheduled.

Regional Poultry Shows were the brainchild of our past President, Will Burdett MBE. They were introduced in 1977 to mark the Club’s centenary year. The aim was to provide regions with a major show which was supported by way of specials from the Poultry Club.

The Regionals offer prestige cards embossed in gold and these are much sought after.

Winners of two section awards qualify for the Regional Roll of Honour that is published in the Yearbook.

It is important that the Show Secretaries send the results to the General Secretary, so all exhibitors who have won more than two awards can be recorded.

Regional Shows

Any affiliated show or Breed Club is entitled to offer PCGB rosettes and Voucher Cards for Show Champion, Reserve Show Champion, Best Eggs and Best Junior.  These cards entitle the winner of five Show Champion or Reserve Show Champion cards to an award.

Eight Best Egg Voucher cards qualify for an award. These cards must be awarded under Poultry Club Rules so eggs in produce sections of Agricultural Shows do not qualify unless judged by a Poultry Club Judge. Five Best Junior Voucher Cards entitle the winner to an award.

It is emphasised that these cards must be signed by the judge or show secretary and dated, without this they are invalid.

To obtain your awards send a schedule to info@poultryclub.org. 

Voucher Shows are the 'grass roots' of the fancy and serve the needs of local fanciers. They provide the novice with a chance to show and gain experience. Usually having between 200-400 exhibits they require two or three judges who are encouraged to discuss the qualities of the birds with their owners after judging.

Regional or Voucher Shows that wish to be upgraded should inform the Poultry Club Secretary at least six months before the show date providing details of the last three years entries.

‘Voucher Status show’ the first tier of standalone Egg Shows. Less than 200 plates of eggs.

‘Regional Status show’ if entries are in the excess of 200 plates of eggs.

‘Championship Status Show’ entries are to be in excess of 400 plates of eggs over a 3 year period. Royal Championship Show award cards are now awarded for Championship Shows at Royal Shows with excess of 400 plates of eggs.

Applications for ‘Voucher Status Show’ or up-grade to ‘Regional’ or ‘Championship Status Show’ are made at least six months before the show date in order that the application can be approved by PCGB Council. When approved the annual renewal date will then be the first day of October each year.

Cards awarded at Regional and Championship shows are as follows:

Gold Star - Best in Show

Silver Star - Reserve in Show

Bronze stars for following: