UK National Honey Show – History, Traditions & Global Impact (344)

The UK's National Honey Show is the world's largest and most prestigious honey show, drawing beekeepers and entries from across the globe. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Bob Mauer, current chairman of the show, about its remarkable 102-year history, its roots at the Crystal Palace, and the traditions that have helped it grow into an international event.

Bob shares how the show combines competitive honey judging with practical workshops, lectures from leading experts, and a vibrant trade hall. He explains what it takes to organize 2,500 entries across 240 honey, wax, and mead classes, along with photography, microscopy, and decorative displays. Listeners will also learn about the challenges of transporting honey from abroad, the rigorous standards judges apply, and the welcoming community that keeps the show thriving.

Whether you're curious about entering your first honey show or adding this renowned event to your beekeeping bucket list, this conversation offers an inside look at what makes the UK National Honey Show so unique. The 2025 show will be held October 23–25 at Sandown Park in Surrey.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• The National Honey Show website: https://honeyshow.co.uk
• The Wax Chandlers: https://www.waxchandlers.org.uk/
• Referenced BTP Episode with Stephanie Slater: https://www.beekeepingtodaypodcast.com/videos/judging-honey-shows-with-stephanie-slater-328/
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

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Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC