Smiles all round as tens of thousands flock to Staffordshire County Show
Tens of thousands of smiling faces have been flocking to the annual Staffordshire County Show which has seen a record number of livestock entries.
The organisers says an 60,000 visitors overall will have attended the two-day show which is coming to a close on Thursday.
Families made the most of the attractions which included the amazing Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, gymkhana, animal competitions including cattle and sheep breeds, The West Lancs Dog Display Team, country pursuits, Punch and Judy Show, donkey rides, science displays, miniature railway rides, a children's farm, fairground rides, food and clothing stalls.
Among the visitors was technician Alastair Phillips, 34, and his family, of Queensville, Stafford, who says: "We are loving it, there's a lot to see and do. It's our second time. We came last year and thought we'd come back as we'd enjoyed it so much. My son Matthew is three and says he loves the motorbikes and the combine harvesters."
Rachel Turner, of Rugeley's Lea Hall Brass Band which performed music from West End shows, including the Band of Brothers theme and All that Jazz from Chicago says: "It's a good day out as well as performing over two days. It's great to entertain the crowds. We really enjoy being here."
Amy Burbridge, 34, of Rugeley, was among a group of 10, who went to support friends competing from Springs Farm based, in Coalpit Lane, Brereton. "I've come with the family. We've really enjoyed ourselves. Our friends from our horse yard are here with their shire horse Bosely who came second in his class.
"We've had a good day out," Amy says.
Show organisers the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society say members have been delighted to see a constant flow of visitors arriving a the grounds off Weston Road near Stafford and that the weather has so far remained dry despite cooler temperatures than last weekend.
Society chief executive of Richard Williams says: "We are delighted with how well the first day has gone and are delighted to so many here enjoying the show."
"Last year we had the benefit of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee effect followed by a bank holiday which was the first time in our 200-year plus history that we'd had a bank holiday co-incide with the show which meant we had huge attendances.
"Having said that, so far we are very pleased with the turnout. In an average year we get around 60,000 visitors and for the first day we've seen around 40 per cent of the ticket sales come through the gate, so we expect the remaining 60 per cent to turn up on Thursday when the weather forecast is for a warmer day.
"It's been great to see all the people coming in. Great to see the youngsters on their horses taking part in the gymkhana. People were saying we may see a cost of living impact, but we haven't. More livestock have turned up with 30 per cent more horses.
"Most importantly, we're not greedy. We only charge £45 for a family ticket, where as theme parks charge about £100. There is something here for everyone and it's good value for money."
Staffordshire National Farmers' Union(NFU) chairman Paul Brown, who runs a farm near Woodseaves, says: "The show is not only great for our members, but the whole farming community. It's a great place to hold meetings to discuss issues and a chance meet suppliers.
"A chance to see and to show off the quality livestock breeds to the wider public. Some farmers can be isolated and are not able to get out much, so this is a chance for them to socialise and gives them a chance to put their job in context with the business."
