Mud warning for exhibitors ahead of Cereals

Organisers of Cereals have issued a mud warning ahead of the show’s opening at Diddly Squat Farm, advising exhibitors to arrive in 4×4 vehicles and prepare for difficult ground conditions after recent wet weather.

In a series of updates issued on Tuesday (9 June), the Cereals team acknowledged that unloading areas and service roads had become muddy as exhibitors arrived on site ahead of the UK’s largest arable farming event.

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In its latest statement, organisers said: “We’re expecting some rain showers this morning, followed by a drier afternoon.

“If possible, please attend the showground in a 4×4 vehicle and ensure you have a towing eye available, as conditions remain quite muddy in places.”

The event team added that support crews were on site and ready to assist, confirming that exhibitors’ vehicles would be towed if required.

❗An updated message to Cereals 2026 exhibitors

Thank you to everyone who has already arrived on site; we greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Today's weather forecast is predicting a wet morning, with conditions becoming drier later in the day.

If you are… pic.twitter.com/bSQioJfrFH

— Cereals Event (@CerealsEvent) June 8, 2026

The warning comes just hours before more than 650 exhibitors and about 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the two-day event on 10-11 June.

This year’s show is being hosted at Jeremy Clarkson’s 400ha Diddly Squat Farm, near Chipping Norton, for the first time, a move that has generated considerable interest across the farming industry.

Earlier updates from organisers suggested unloading areas and service roads were “holding up” during drier spells.

But the latest forecast prompted a more cautious message as rain moved across the site during the final stages of build-up.

Despite concerns about conditions underfoot, organisers have given no indication the event programme will be affected and preparations for a full opening are continuing.

Wellies and waterproofs

The weather has become one of the main talking points ahead of the show, with exhibitors arriving on site while intermittent rain showers pass across Oxfordshire.

One source told Farmers Weekly that some parts of the site were already “very muddy”, adding that wellies and waterproofs would be essential items for visitors.

“The coming hours will determine whether the weather becomes a minor logistical headache or the dominant talking point of Cereals 2026 before the gates even open,” the source said.

The event’s move to Diddly Squat Farm has placed Cereals firmly in the spotlight this year.

The farm has become one of the best-known agricultural businesses in the country following the success of the hit Amazon TV series Clarkson’s Farm, attracting widespread public attention well beyond the traditional farming audience.

Organisers have spent months preparing the site and implementing extensive traffic management measures designed to handle the large number of vehicles expected across the two days.

Temporary 30mph speed restrictions, one-way systems and dedicated routing plans have been introduced to help manage traffic movements around the venue.

Most visitors are expected to arrive by car and use one of two large on-site car parks.

Visitors will be directed to designated routes from the A40, A44 and A361, with arrivals split between north and south parking areas to help distribute traffic and minimise congestion on local roads.

Dedicated Cereals buses will also operate from a number of regional farming hubs, including pick-up points in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, providing an alternative to driving directly to the showground.

Weather outlook

According to the latest Met Office outlook, Tuesday evening is expected to remain largely cloudy with the chance of further light showers before temperatures fall to 9C overnight.

Wednesday’s forecast suggests a mixed picture, with spells of rain and showers developing through the day.

Thursday is expected to be breezy and unsettled, bringing further showers or longer periods of rain and slightly cooler conditions.

Temperature highs of 16-17C are expected across both days, but forecasters say it will cooler, closer to 12C in the wind chill.

Further information on Cereals.