MORE than 20,000 people enjoyed Essex's biggest annual celebration of the countryside, the Tendring Show.

Roddy Ashworth

MORE than 20,000 people enjoyed Essex's biggest annual celebration of the countryside, the Tendring Show.

The spectacular agricultural event, held at Lawford House Park near Manningtree, at the weekend to featured a myriad of livestock, a range of arena displays and some spectacular horticultural and floral attractions.

There was also a fine turnout of local produce to purchase in the food tent and a variety of food and drink available to refresh visitors.

The education tent included displays from local schools and colleges, while the Art Exhibition featured paintings, sculptures and photography.

Colourful exotic birds were amongst those displayed by the Colchester Cage bird society, while the Shoppers Market provided everything from Afro-Indian Crafts to professional flower arrangements.

Throughout the ground was a fine mixture of agricultural machinery - both old and new - while there were also family attractions such as a giant maze made of hay bales.

A large number of beautifully kept and renovated old cars were displayed by the Colchester vintage motor Club, including a 1930 two-litre lagonda, a 1926 three-litre Bentley and a 1904 Peugeot Swing-seat tonneau.

One of the visitors to the show, North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin, said: “This is not only a wonderful step back in time, but also a great show for modern farming.

“I just love it - it shows what a strong sense of the community there is among rural people in this area and beyond.

“You can't move without meeting someone you know and striking up a conversation - it's great.”

Former mayor of Colchester Chris Hall, who was visiting with his wife Elizabeth, said: “I think it is a fantastic show, and this year better than ever.

“There are so many people having a good time and the weather is perfect.”

Local farmer, show vice-president and former leader of Colchester Borough Council, Robert Davidson, said: “It is a unique way of getting a balance of countryside and farming where everybody, whether rural or urban, can mix together and find out what goes on in the countryside.”

Tendring Show secretary, Romany Foster, said that more than 22,500 paying customers had visited and went on to extend her thanks to the huge team of stewards, volunteers and helpers, without whom it would not be possible to run the event.

“The show ground is full. And there are so many arenas now. The family arena has been very busy along with the countryside arena. The sheep show has been going on throughout the day and the education arena has also been very popular.

“The weather has been perfect show weather. The sun has not been beating down hard on everybody's backs, but it has still been a pleasant shirt-sleeve temperature.

“Everything has gone very smoothly. It has been a great success.”

* For full show results see tomorrow's EADT.