Summer county shows are a staple of rural life, bringing together communities to celebrate local businesses, farming, food, education and innovation.
In East Anglia, where National Grid is investing in the future electricity network, opportunities to talk directly with local people are especially important.
They also provide an opportunity to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and showcase the wide range of careers available in the energy sector.
This year, National Grid attended the Suffolk Show and Royal Norfolk Show, alongside events in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, engaging with more than 5,400 people across the four events.
Colleagues discussed local projects, the changing energy system and future careers in the industry.
For Eleanor Patey, community benefits and partnerships manager, county shows provide an opportunity to help people explore the energy sector and the wide range of careers it offers.
"County shows give us a fantastic opportunity to spark an interest in STEM subjects in a fun and accessible way," Eleanor said.
"Whether someone is exploring a virtual pylon climb, learning how electricity moves around the network, or finding out about careers in the energy sector, we’re helping people see how those subjects connect to real-world opportunities."
A key focus at the shows was helping people, particularly young people, understand how STEM subjects connect to careers in energy.
Interactive activities included virtual reality pylon climbs, circuit kits, a live show about the electricity network and a ‘Plan Your Own Great Grid Upgrade’ challenge.
As demand for electricity continues to grow, including in East Anglia, investment in the network is needed to connect new sources of power and support the way homes, businesses, transport and industry use energy in the future.
Across East Anglia and other parts of the country, National Grid is developing projects that form part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity network in generations.
The show season began at the Suffolk Show in May, continued through to the Royal Norfolk Show and Lincolnshire Show in June and concluded at the Great Yorkshire Show in July, with STEM activities and careers conversations helping bring the world of energy to life for visitors of all ages.
Delivering activities across the four events, around 60 colleagues contributed more than 600 hours, helping visitors learn more about the energy sector, explore career opportunities and understand how the electricity network works.
Colleagues from across National Grid took part, bringing expertise from engineering, environmental planning, project delivery and community engagement.
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"It's always fantastic to see colleagues supporting these events," Eleanor said.
"Their expertise helps us answer questions, explain how the electricity network works, and inspire people to think about careers in the energy sector.
"Just as importantly, they help create a welcoming environment where people can learn about the work we do."
That commitment to engagement extends well beyond the showground.
Throughout the year, National Grid holds consultations, information events and meetings with local organisations, helping people understand proposals and share their views.
County shows, however, offer something different: the chance to have thousands of informal conversations in places where communities already gather.
"Shows bring together people from all walks of life," Eleanor said.
"You can speak to farmers, business owners, students, families, and local organisations all in the same day.
"That makes them a really valuable opportunity to understand local perspectives and create positive conversations about the future of energy."
While the show season has now come to a close, National Grid says the relationships built and conversations started over the summer will continue throughout the year.
"Every conversation helps," Eleanor said.
"Whether someone wants to explore career opportunities, understand how the energy system is changing or learn more about National Grid, these events help us connect with communities in a meaningful way.
"That's why county shows remain such an important part of what we do."
For more information, visit nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade
This article is part of LOCALiQ's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
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