Having lived in the county for nearly 19 years, when telling people I had never been to the Suffolk Show, I was always given a surprised response.
It was usually along the lines of “How can you have never been to the Suffolk Show?”
I didn’t really know what to expect. Agriculture has never really been my ‘thing’, and I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the day. Well, I was wrong.
When I arrived just after the gates opened at 7am, I didn’t expect hundreds of people to already be here. But people of all ages were already present, and throughout the day I regularly saw three generations of families together.
It truly felt like a celebration of all things Suffolk.
I imagine the good weather may well have helped, but walking around Trinity Park, I began to realise why it is such a big hit and brings in thousands of people every year.
On a small walk from the car park to the press tent, I got a feel for what the day was going to be about. There were all sorts of things going on – from roof thatching demonstrations to a demonstration from a Wattisham-based Apache attack helicopter.
Families were queuing to watch their children ride in tractors and diggers, and with the numerous shows taking place, I was given a real eye opener into why people love horses and pedigree farm animals.
I didn’t see an unhappy face during the day.
Being able to get close to the various combine harvesters and other farming machinery, I began to find out what a mammoth operation it all is.
I wouldn’t say I’ve become a farming enthusiast, but I’m definitely a fan of the Suffolk Show.
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