Prince Harry’s high-profile visit to the Suffolk Show boosted this year’s crowd numbers, according to the organisers.
Chris Bushby, executive director of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, which organises the farming showpiece, said the fourth-in-line to the throne had proved a big hit. Official attendance figures are to be released next week but Mr Bushby said admission levels were likely to be “better than expected”.
“We nearly had four inches of rain on the Tuesday which is astonishing. It meant a whole army of volunteers and many contractors had to work during the night to make sure the show was ready by Wednesday morning,” he said.
“One of the great successes was to see how everyone worked together which created a sort of Dunkirk atmosphere about the show.
“It made it a very special show and for the team here, quite emotional as well. There were a few tears on Thursday evening.”
As soon as Prince Harry arrived and started walking round the Trinity Park site the crowds were drawn with everyone keen on getting a photograph of the popular royal.
“I think he is a true gentleman and the crowd loved him and had a great passion for him, he has a great following,” Mr Bushby said.
“I am sure there were some people that came because he was there, it could be because there’s more publicity on the event that you get with a royal visit like Harry’s. He wanted to speak to as many people as possible and for some people that will be a memory that will stay with them for the rest of their life.” The visit was such a success he did not rule out inviting Harry next year.
For more on the Suffolk Show, click here
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