Crowds return to Suffolk Show - proving its staying power

There were very large crowds at last year's Show - but organisers had feared that could be a one-off because it was the first for three years because of the Covid pandemic.

But on this year's first day the numbers were very good again and new show honorary director John Taylor could not hide his delight.

John Taylor at the start of the Suffolk Show with his wife Julia. (Image: John and Julia Taylor/Charlotte Bond)

He said: "I'm ecstatic about the way it's going today - there are so many people here and everyone seems to be having a good time."

There had been real fears that last year's success would be hard to follow: "But it's clear that people have come out again - that's just what we had hoped for."

There was a big emphasis on the future of farming and food production - Environment Secretary and local MP Therese Coffey was there to launch the Farm 4 Future exhibition.

Therese Coffey at the Suffolk Show. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Taylor said there was a clear aim of showing people that there were good careers to be had in farming and food production.

Young people with a variety of skills, particularly in new technology, could find good rewarding jobs.

He said: "We have been able to show this to a lot of people who have found it really enjoyable."

Dr Coffey used her visit to the show to unveil new funding for farms which is to be added to the £3bn that is already being spent by the government on supporting the industry.

She said this money had replaced the money that had previously supported come from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

Farming has been on the political agenda recently with Dr Coffey and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holding a food summit in Downing Street - while Home Secretary Suella Braverman suggested that seasonal workers from Europe could be replaced in fruit-picking fields by British staff.

Dr Coffey said that the food summit had agreed the government would continue to offer temporary visas for agriculture workers this year and next. 

She said in the long-term technology could replace the need for temporary workers - although she acknowledged that could be many years away.

She said: "There has already been some progress with machines picking asparagus and we will have to see what happens."

Growers continue to be sceptical about the prospect of machines being able to pick soft fruit or tomatoes.

Around the showground there is a variety of entertainments - although a display by the RAF Falcons parachute team had to be cancelled because of high winds above Trinity Park.

Don't try this on the A14! The Broke FMX team in the Grand Ring of the Suffolk Show. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The Grand Ring displays were dominated by equestrian sports and livestock - but the Broke FMX motorcycle display team provided very different, and very noisy, alternative entertainment.

Mr Taylor said the agricultural element of the show remained at its heart - but it was important to offer a wider appeal.

Livestock - and especially Suffolk Horses - remain a major draw at the Suffolk Show. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He said: "It isn't a farming show. It is a family show with a emphasis on food and farming - but it is important we offer something for all our visitors."

And he emphasised the importance that the show places on giving people the chance to meet old and new friends.

Mr Taylor said no one should under-estimate the importance of people having fun meeting their friends at the Suffolk Show (Image: First visitors to the show/Charlotte Bond)

He said: "There are many people who only see each other once a year at the show - and many meet together only here at the show for a couple of days a year.

"From the point of view of bringing people together and helping to improve their wellbeing I don't think you can overestimate the value of the Suffolk Show!"