Perfect weather brought Tendring Show-goers out in force as the strong July sun broke through threatening clouds from earlier in the day.
The event, on Saturday, July 8, was strong on heritage but brought into focus some of the technical advances in agriculture. It also included a host of live events in the various rings, as well as stalls and entertainment.
“We’re are delighted with how the day has gone,” said show spokesman Tom Glover.
“The weather has been perfect and we’ve had a strong crowd through the gates to enjoy everything the show has to offer.
“Our ‘farming for life’ theme area has proved popular, as has the food pavilion, livestock, education zone, the entertainment in all of the rings, and the many trade stands on site. The new Land Train has also proved a hit.
“The show continues to be successful because it remains true to its agricultural roots. This heritage, the unique energy of a one day show, and our amazing volunteers contribute to it’s special character. We couldn’t run the show without the support and commitment of those 280 volunteers. They give their time freely and always have a smile on their face.”
Animals and machinery were the stars of the show, with sheep and cattle competitions and a wide array of other animals on display including guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, heavy horses, bees, bats and owls.
Healthy food was a major theme, and an NHS stand was proving popular with show-goers.
Show secretary Romany Foster said it was too early to tell how many visitors had attended this year, but the signs were positive.
“It has been great. I would say it’s a positive show with a really good turnout,” she said.
“Everyone seems to be very happy.”
The only criticism she had come across during her 16 years of involvement was from those who wanted a two-day, rather than a one-day event, she said, but the volunteer hours were already phenomenal to put on one day.
The popular Manningtree event, which draws in crowds from a wide area, was first held in 1899, and maintains its strong agricultural heritage with large displays of agricultural machinery and livestock. It’s now in its 102nd year.
Long-time show supporter and Clacton farmer Guy Smith, who is also vice president of the National Farmers’ Union, said: “The Tendring Show is one of those timeless spectacles that takes place in a farmed field of grass.
“From the arena of the Grand Ring it gave us the opportunity to talk to the 20,000 show-goers about grassland management including the age-old craft of haymaking to the more modern grass silage production for aerobic digestion that in turn creates renewable energy.”
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