Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day 2026
Saturday, 10 October 2026 – 10am to 4pm
A fantastic day out for people thinking about taking up beekeeping, as well as old hands who want to learn a whole lot more. Incorporates the County Honey Show. Entry: FREE. No tickets required. Seating in talks: first come, first seated.
Location: The Devizes Corn Exchange, Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HS.
2026 Downloads
- Show Schedule for WBKA members + entry form
- Event poster to download – Pdf or jpg for Social media pages
- Honey sales registration form
- Honey sales Ts&Cs
- Location and parking Devizes Map
2026 Activities
- Talks – details below
- The annual county honey show – see Downloads above
- Candle rolling – perfect for Christmas presents
- Exploring inside a virtual hive
- Honey beer tasting courtesy of Wadworth brewery
- Mead tasting
- Exhibitors offering bee related food, drinks, gifts and products as well as beekeeping kit.
2026 Timings
- 08.00 Doors open for exhibitors
- 09.15 Last entries placed, judging starts
- 10.00 Show opens
- 10.00-11.00 Steve Riley: The honey bee solution to varroa – a practical guide for beekeepers
- 11.30-12.30 Kate Graydon: Why do bees behave the way that they do?
- 13.00-13.30 Richard Rickitt: Thinking of becoming a beekeeper? How to get started
- 14.00-15.00 Richard Oliver: Honeybee drones
- 15.00-16.00 Open viewing
- 15.15 Prize giving and certificates on the stage
- 16.00 Show closes
2026 Media coverage
- Eden Renewables Blog 7 September 2026
- WiltsHive 6 September 2026
- Swindon link 2 September 2026
- Salisbury Journal 2 September 2026
- What’s on pages:
2026 Speakers
- Steve Riley: The honey bee solution to varroa – a practical guide for beekeepers
- The practical steps beekeepers can take to identify and select for easily observable Varroa-resistant traits in their colonies. The science behind the bees’ mechanisms for controlling their mite populations is explained, in what is a bee-led solution to the biggest challenge facing the European honey bee.
- Steve is the author of the Apimondia award winning book “The Honey Bee Solution to Varroa” and a member of the “Path to Varroa-resistance” team that launched the science and education website: www.varroaresistant.uk. He is the former Chair & Education Officer at Westerham Beekeepers, a club in the south-east of England who select for Varroa-resistant traits and are in their 9th year of not using miticide treatments. Around 160 colonies are in the project. Steve presents on Varroa-resistance to national and international conferences, and also to clubs around the UK, mainland Europe and into the USA and Australia. He was a member of the “Breeding for Varroa-Resistance” round table at Apimondia 2025 in Copenhagen.
- Kate Graydon: Why do bees behave the way that they do?
- If you’ve been lucky enough to spend time around bees, the chances are you’ve seen some interesting behaviours. Some of the questions researchers are asking include:
- What drives a honey bee to be loyal to one flower type during her foraging trips?
- What triggers a queen honey bee to change the size of her eggs?
- Why do some bees drift between colonies?
- How can researching all species of bees help inform us about honey bee behavior?
- Come along and see what it’s like to work on bee behaviour, with some fun demonstrations and, as expected, cute pictures of bees!
- Kate Greydon PhD is a researcher at the University of Bristol, with a focus on bee behaviour. Her research investigates the effects of climate change and floral resource distribution on bee foraging strategies, such as flower constancy in the social beee (honey bees, bumblebees and stingless bees)
- If you’ve been lucky enough to spend time around bees, the chances are you’ve seen some interesting behaviours. Some of the questions researchers are asking include:
- Richard Rickitt: Thinking of becoming a beekeeper? How to get started
- So you want to keep bees? If you’ve ever thought about bees, come to this short talk about the pleasures and pitfalls of what can be a wonderful hobby. Find out what keeping bees involves, how to get started, whether your garden is suitable and how the whole family can get involved. Afterwards local beekeepers will be available to answer further questions and guide you on the best way to get started.
- Richard is co-editor of BeeCraft magazine. He learned to keep bees over 40 years ago as a member of his secondary school beekeeping club. Resuming the hobby after moving to Wiltshire in 2006, he now keeps about 20 colonies. As beekeeper at Westonbirt, the national arboretum, and with apiaries in sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), he is fascinated by how honey bees interact with the landscape, sources of forage and the relationship bees have with trees. He is author of the recntly published book, Beekeeping for Gardeners.
- Richard Oliver: Honeybee drones
- At this time of year very few colonies have drones and that will be the case for the next five or six months. Consequently the role of drones in the colony tends to be overlooked. The aim of this talk is to encourage you to appreciate Dave the Drone’s successors. They have much to offer.
- Looking for a hobby when the time came for him to give up paid work, Richard stumbled unconvincingly into beekeeping and, to his surprise, got hooked. On the grounds that if you are going to do something it’s best to do it to the best of your ability he set off on the path to become a Master Beekeeper, which took nine years. In the mean time he held various posts In Wiltshire BKA and was for eight years its Education and Examination officer. He is a Basic and Honey Bee Health assessor. He now lives in Bristol where he mentors the beekeeping team at Clifton High School, while continuing to run module study groups and help out in the branch apiary when required. He is a trustee and currently vice-chair of the BBKA and also chairs the Education & Husbandry and Governance committees.
2026 Helpful how-to articles
Find these here
- Why exhibit at honey shows
- How to win at honey shows
- How to make dipped candles
- See also several articles in the Honey Bee Times
2026 Show sponsors and supporters
BELECTRIC UK
BELECTRIC UK, a member of the Elevion Group, is one of the world’s leading companies in the development, construction and operation of ground-mounted solar power plants and battery storage systems.
BELECTRIC UK is based in Brinkworth, near Chippenham, and employs more than 120 people.
Teams have built projects from Cornwall to Scotland, with sustainability a top priority – the company has a strong commitment to boosting biodiversity by protecting species and habitats.
Join us and help to shape the future of energy. Lots of local roles are available, offering competitive salaries, flexible and remote working, a company pension, and private health cover.
Eden Renewables
Based near Marlborough, Eden Renewables is developing solar farms in Wiltshire and throughout the UK with a positive impact on the local environment and the communities living nearby. Our solar farms don’t just produce clean renewable energy – they produce honey too! We create meadows beneath and around the solar panels by sowing local, native grasses and wildflowers to provide habitats and nectar for honey bees and other pollinators. We provide suitable beehive sites for both solitary and honey bees, and invite local beekeepers to establish apiaries inside the solar farm or on adjacent land. Tackling the climate and ecological crisis, together. https://uk.edenrenewables.com/
Wadworth Brewery
Wadworth is an independent family regional brewer and pub company, which has been brewing beer in the beautiful market town of Devizes since 1875. Originally founded by Henry Alfred Wadworth, the business passed to his founding partner John Smith Bartholomew and is now in the fifth generation of ownership by the Bartholomew family, with Toby Bartholomew leading the company as Managing Director.
The brewery combines the tradition of craft beer with modern production techniques and systems, pub signs are still hand painted in our sign shop and the Wadworth shire horses deliver beer around the town most weeks of the year. Our brewery tap & shop, located on site at the brewery, is open throughout the week for beers and food, events, and takeaway beer and merchandise.
In addition to our family brewery we operate in excess of 150 pubs, many with rooms to stay, across the South West of England and London; all offering a warm welcome, down to earth hospitality and quality food and drink.
Wadworth is delighted to be sponsoring the The Wiltshire Bee and Honey Day. https://www.wadworth.co.uk/
Corsham Print
‘In a digital world, print stands out’ – Our creative solutions have been helping businesses and organisations grow for over 40 years. Supporting the event’s printing requirements.
With support from https://www.wherecanwego.com
2026 Show exhibitors
The Bee Depot
I’m your local supplier for New Complete Hives, Hive Parts, Suits, Tools, Smokers, Varroa treatments, Jars and Lids. Plus occasional 2nd hand, properly cleaned and ready to use kit. Place a pre-order to collect exactly what you need – or call Diane 07879 811967.
Bees Abroad
Bees Abroad is a UK charity training communities across Africa to build sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping. Visit our stand to find out how a single hive can change a family’s future, and test your bee knowledge with our quiz game. Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper or simply curious, come and discover the global impact of the craft you love. https://www.beesabroad.org/
The Bee’s Knees
I’m Emma Morley, one of Wiltshire’s many beekeepers. As well as caring for my bees, I love creating natural honey treats made with natural ingredients. Every single product is lovingly handmade in my Wiltshire kitchen, though I have to give credit to the real stars of the show: my clever little bees! Alongside my honey treats, I make premium, pure beeswax goods—including hand-rolled candles, eco-friendly food wraps, and soothing lip balms. To complement the wax collection, I also hand-craft unique pottery items like candlesticks and ceramic candle pots. Come along, say hello, and have a browse. I’m sure there will be something that takes your fancy!
Candle Cavern
Providing natural hand poured beeswax candles from sustainable and renewable sources. Available will be dinner, pillar and tealight candles as well as other beeswax products including polish and ‘wraps’. Supporting British beekeeping, business and craftsmanship.
Hive Mind
We are Hive Mind, started in 2018 by brothers Kit and Matt in the beautiful Wye Valley in the Welsh Borders. Combining our love of nature with our interest in brewing. We set out to create something as original as possible by taking the world’s oldest form of alcohol, and giving it a modern twist. What we have created is innovative, light, refreshing and rich in flavour, but also steeped in history. A true blend of old and new.
We could go on about passion, pride and perfection, but that should come over on the first sip. We aim to be different. Many think Welsh mead is sweet and strong and something drunk by druids and monks. Well that was then (and occasionally now during the summer solstice).
With mounting quantities of honey mead from our own bees and a desire to drink something different, we began creating session strength meads made with great ingredients and delicious flavours. Our mead is a marriage of modern brewing techniques applied to the most ancient beverage. So please take what preconceptions you have, and refresh them. We bring you sparkling, medium sweetness, flavourful Welsh mead. We start with the best quality ingredients we can lay our hands on, add yeast and time, and leave the product to do the talking. www.wyevalleymeadery.co.uk
Karen Elliot Art
Karen Elliott creates colourful handmade art inspired by nature, joyful interiors and unexpected colour combinations. Working from her garden studio, she paints original abstract floral art, designs and makes clay birds, flower frogs, wall hangings and decorative pieces, each one thoughtfully crafted to bring a sense of joy and curiosity into the home.
For the Bee and Honey Show, Karen will be showcasing her collection of hand-painted flower frogs, inspired by the beauty of garden flowers and perfect for displaying individual stems and seasonal blooms. Alongside these will be her colourful clay birds, botanical artwork and wall hangings, all celebrating the colours and joy found in nature.
E: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenelliott_art/
My Home Smells Eco
Putting Earth and Health First. All home fragrance products within the range are reusable, recyclable and Biodegradable meaning your home can smell good without negatively impacting the planet. Our products are made from natural ingredients meaning your health won’t be compromised. Eco-Fragrance – Eco-Fragrance
Pamela Shellard
Hand made bee themed mugs and jugs.
Plantlife
Plantlife is a British conservation charity based in Salisbury working nationally and internationally to save threatened wild flowers, plants and fungi. They own nearly 4,500 acres of nature reserve across England, Scotland and Wales where you can find over 80% of the UK’s wild flowers. They have 13,000 members and supporters and His Majesty King Charles III is the Patron.
Our representative will be talking to interested members of the public about Plantlife’s work in the UK offering people the chance to understand more about the charity. https://www.plantlife.org.uk
RSPB
The RSPB helps pollinators by publishing research, supporting nature friendly farming, managing habitats, education and campaigning for change. Ask us about the work we do to help bees and all pollinators, locally and around the world.
The RSPB is a charity for the conservation of birds and nature. We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to take action to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. www.rspb.org.uk/
Sew throughful
I make framed pictures with characters I create by hand, using fabric and embellishments which is then applied 3d and I add a saying/quote to each picture. In addition to this, I also make mini gifts for the smaller purse strings which I change depending on the season or theme required. Email:
Susanna Gilmore Powell
I am an artist living in Devizes. I paint flowers in gardens and landscapes also woodlands and water. I worked for many years at the National Arboretum, Glos as their resident artist. My work is sold worldwide as I am member of The Royal Miniature Society, MPSGS, Washington DC and Florida USA. I am also a demonstrator/tutor for art societies. Without the Bees, I would have no subject matter for my work so I support the bee keepers and environment whenever I can. susannagilmorepowell.co.uk
Instagram. susannagilmorepowell
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Raising awareness of the Trust’s work with nature and wildlife in the Wiltshire area.
Memories of 2025
2025 media coverage
- Graham Rogers, BBC Radio Wiltshire 14.49 on 6-10-2025
- Sue Davies, BBC Radio Wiltshire 11.51 on 6-10-2025
- Gazette and Herald 1-10-2025
- Andover advertiser 24-8-2025.
- Salisbury Journal 23-8-205
2025 Speakers
- Marin Anastasov NDB: Honey Bees – 130 million years in the making
- Stephen Fleming: Understanding and combating the yellow-legged hornet threat
- Richard Rickitt: Thinking of becoming a beekeeper? How to get started
- Roger Patterson: The Patterson Unit – a very different way of managing an apiary
Memories of 2024
2024 PR coverage
2024 Talks
- Some interesting things about bees – Professor Robert Pickard, entomologist
- Medicinal uses of honey – Dr Lynne Hepplestone
- Thinking of becoming a beekeeper? How to get started – Richard Rickitt
- The truth about honey – Lynne Ingram NDB
2024 Speakers
- Some wonderful things about bees – Professor Robert Pickard, entomologist
- Medicinal uses of honey – Dr Lynne Hepplestone
- Thinking of becoming a beekeeper? How to get started – Richard Rickitt, co-editor of BeeCraft
- The truth about honey – Lynne Ingram
Memories of the day 2023
First photos from Richard Rickitt. (Hi-res copies of all photos available from )
More photos
2023 Talks
- Food Safety and the Beekeeper: Andy Pedley
- Beyond Honeybees: balancing the needs of managed and wild bee populations: Paul Jupp
- Defensive behaviour in honeybees: Marin Anastasov, NDB
2023 Coverage in the media and other websites
- Eden Renewable blog
- Swindon LINK
- BBC Radio Wiltshire – Graham Rogers Show 18 September 2023 at 1512
- Wiltshire Life October 2023 pages 58-59
- Wiltshire Life October 2023 page 65
- Wiltshire Life September 2023 page 65
- Radio Berkshire interview on bees inside a wall, 9 September at 0821
- Wiltshire Life August 2023 page 65
Memories of the 2022 Show
Banner sitings 2022
Previous shows
2022 Talks
- Managing the workers: Reading the bees, smooth colony manipulations – Bob Smith NDB
- Botany for beekeepers: A colourful exploration of flower families with emphasis on those of value to bees – Bob Smith NDB
- The future of the bumblebee in the British countryside – Guy Parker, Eden Renewables
2022 Press coverage
- 25/10/22 Recap on Eden Renewables Website; and listen to Guy Parker’s talk.
- 11/10/22 Gazette & Herald: Wiltshire Bee and Honey Day an un-bee-lievable success
- 7/10/22 BBC Radio Wiltshire Ben Prater Show – the segments start at 1:46:50 in. Starts immediately in this recording.
- 3/10/22 BBC Radio Wiltshire Graham Rogers Show – the segment starts about 1 min into this recording.
- 1/10/22 Wiltshire Life: It’s all about the bees
- 29/9/22 Gazette & Herald: Exclusive beer by Wadworth Brewery in Devizes: When you can try it
- 22/9/22 Gazette & Herald: Devizes to host free lesson for budding beekeeper
- 1/9/22 Wiltshire Life: A bee-utiful day out
- 1/8/22 Wiltshire Life: Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day
2021 Photo Gallery – see Member’sArea
2021 Talks
- 10.00 Tools and techniques for making beekeeping easier – Ken Basterfield.
- 11.15 The mind of the honey bee – Marin Anastasov, NDB.
- 12.15 Safeguarding future landscapes – Guy Parker, Eden Renewables.
- 13.45 Reading bees – Ken Basterfield.
2021 Press coverage
- Wiltshire Life – The buzzy life of a beekeeper and her bees – May 2021 edition, p42, 3pp
- Listing in Beekeeping Events
- Listing in Beecraft – September 2021 edition
- Listing in BBKA News – September 2021 edition
- Gazette & Herald – Corsham beekeeper prepares for Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day in Devizes – 11 August.
- This is Wiltshire – Corsham beekeeper prepares for Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day in Devizes – 11 August
- Wiltshire Life – From flower to toast and honey beer – September 2021 edition, p36, 2pp
- A notice of the event on CPRE’s site
- A mention in Eden Renewable’s regular newsletter
The Wiltshire Bee & Honey Day 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions
2019 Talks
- Comb – how and why bees make it and how to manage it – Lynfa Davis
- Honey bee communication – a look at how bees share information and communicate with each other – Lynfa Davis
- The future for local bees in Britain – Norman Carreck
2019 Press coverage
- Wiltshire Times post event coverage
- Gazette and Herald post-event coverage
- Wessex Water post-event coverage – page 19
- Wiltshire Times pre-event coverage
- Swindon Advertiser pre-event coverage
- Gazette & Herald pre-event coverage
- This is Wiltshire pre-event coverage
- Wiltshire Life Magazine pre-event coverage 1/8/19
- Wessex Water pre-event coverage – page 17
- Salisbury BKA website
