The Ministry of Public Works and Environment Presents the 85th Bermuda Annual Agricultural Exhibition
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is excited to announce the 85th Bermuda Annual Agricultural Exhibition. This memorable event will take place over three days, from April 23rd to April 25th, 2026, at the picturesque Botanical Gardens in Paget.
The Agricultural Exhibition, often referred to as “The Exhibition,” is a longstanding tradition that celebrates Bermuda's rich heritage in agriculture, horticulture, and community engagement. This family-friendly event features a wide range of activities and showcases, including:
- Competitions in livestock, horticulture, culinary arts, and craftwork;
- Live entertainment, including cultural performances and musical acts; and
- Interactive zones for children, providing hands-on learning opportunities about farming, gardening and sustainability.
As the governing body, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, in collaboration with the Department of Parks, oversees this important event under its mandate to:
“Promote the study of agriculture; disseminate information regarding the techniques of agriculture and horticulture; and promote or hold agricultural exhibitions.”
The Annual Exhibition serves as a platform to educate the community about the significance of agriculture and its evolving role in today’s world. By fostering knowledge-sharing and hands-on experiences, it inspires both young and old to appreciate the value of sustainable practices, local produce, and the beauty of Bermuda’s natural environment.
We invite residents and visitors alike to mark their calendars for this vibrant celebration of culture, agriculture, and community spirit. More details, including a schedule of events and how to participate, will be available soon.
Join us for a memorable experience at the 85th Bermuda Annual Agricultural Exhibition, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of nature!
For more information or inquiries, please contact the Agricultural Exhibition Office.
85 Years of Growth: Honouring Our Roots
When William Reid arrived in Bermuda in 1839 as the newly appointed Governor, he found an island with fertile potential but an agricultural sector that had struggled to take root. Few ploughs existed, farming methods were rudimentary, and the promise of Bermuda’s soil remained largely untapped. Yet Reid, soon to be affectionately known as “The Good Governor Reid”, saw something different. He envisioned Bermuda as a thriving “market garden” supplying fresh produce to the expanding markets of the United States.
Determined to modernize local farming, Governor Reid set to work. He imported ploughs and other much-needed agricultural implements, introduced improved seed varieties, and brought in experienced gardeners to teach Bermudians advanced farming techniques. Under his guidance, the cultivation of arrowroot, tomatoes, citrus fruits, lilies, and especially onions began to flourish. His influence extended beyond the fields: in 1850, he even gifted Bermuda the loquat, sending seeds from Malta, a fruit that would eventually become a beloved part of the island’s landscape.
But perhaps Governor Reid’s most enduring legacy is the one that continues to bloom each spring: the Agricultural Exhibition.
Sowing the Seeds of Tradition
In 1843, Reid organized the first Agricultural Exhibition at Mount Langton, then the site of Government House. His goal was simple yet revolutionary: to educate local farmers, showcase improved crops, introduce new tools, and encourage friendly competition. The early exhibitions featured ploughing contests, seed displays, animal exhibits, tool demonstrations, and baking competitions a lively blend of practical learning and community spirit.
By the mid-1800s, the Exhibition had quickly grown into a beloved annual event as more Bermudians embraced the modern farming techniques Reid championed. In the decades that followed, it expanded beyond Mount Langton, moving to larger venues to accommodate increasing attendance and the island’s rapidly growing agricultural output.
A Cultural Cornerstone
Through the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Exhibition evolved into one of Bermuda’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. Its offerings expanded to include livestock shows, vegetable competitions, school entries, crafts, arts, equestrian events, and elaborate floral displays, becoming a showcase not just of agriculture, but of Bermudian creativity and community life.
Even as agriculture waned in the 20th century, the Exhibition endured. No longer simply a display of farming achievement, it grew into a celebration of heritage, tradition, and Bermudian identity.
A Living Legacy
Today, the Agricultural Exhibition is held at the Botanical Gardens in Paget, where it continues to blossom as a vibrant three-day event. Farmers, students, artisans, livestock owners, and cultural groups come together to honour the island’s roots while celebrating its evolving story.
More than a showcase of crops and crafts, the Exhibition is a testament to community, an enduring reminder of how one governor’s vision helped sow the seeds of a tradition now cherished for more than 85 years.
