By David GreenONE of East Anglia's biggest country shows is moving location and changing name - for the first time in 30 years.The Eye Show, which annually attracts up to 40,000 people, has traditionally been held at Dragon Hill on the outskirts of the town.

By David Green

ONE of East Anglia's biggest country shows is moving location and changing name - for the first time in 30 years.

The Eye Show, which annually attracts up to 40,000 people, has traditionally been held at Dragon Hill on the outskirts of the town.

But plans to build a large poultry farming operation on part of the field used as the main car park have forced show organisers to consider whether the event should be moved.

They announced last night that the event will move to Thornham Park - about three miles away - and will be expanded to become the Eye Show and Country Fair.

The park is owned by the Thornham Settlement Estate, set up by the former Lord Henniker.

Tim Seeley, show director, said about 70 acres of mature parkland would be used to accommodate the event and car parks.

The country fair aspect of the show, held in August, would include a large equestrian section with a host of field and country sports.

“This move is an exciting opportunity for the show to develop new themes, introduce many new features and broaden our public appeal in the idyllic setting of Thornham Park,” he said.

“Moving from our Dragon Hill showground is a great wrench and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude for the tremendous support given to the show for nearly three decades by the landowners.”

david.green@eadt.co.uk