BRILLIANT sunshine and thousands of visitors made the 95th Tendring Hundred Show a resounding success.

Crowds of people flocked to Lawford Park, near Manningtree, to enjoy the annual event, which combined the best of agriculture with attractions for young and old.

As temperatures soared, cold drinks and ice cream were the order of the day as show-goers tried to cool down in boiling sunshine on Saturday.

Organisers went out of their way to make sure livestock were fed and watered as the country enjoyed one of the hottest days of the year so far.

Trade stands included everything from skip hire and steps, to the Samaritans, while children enjoyed bouncy castles and bungee flying. Visitors were encouraged to be hands-on, with the chance of having a go at pooch training with the Tendring Dog Agility Club or joining in with displays in the family arena.

Colchester Gladiators American Football Team and Cheerleaders, and the Smooth Groove Dance School, encouraged audience participation, inviting young show-goers to throw a ball or try out some dance moves in the popular family arena.

Other performers who defied the heat included the Colchester and District Pipes and Drums and Morris men who gave their all despite the blistering temperatures.

One of the main family attractions was a “straw henge” – eight arches placed in a circle to align with the sunrise.

The innovative display tied in with the show’s theme, the effect of the seasons on countryside and farming, with the straw circle divided into four areas showing spring, summer, autumn and winter.

In the president’s ring, crowds enjoyed hunter classes and sheep dog displays, with the daring Amanda Saville and her Chariots of Fire riding display one of the highlights.

The stunt rider drew gasps of amazement and applause as she went over jumps in her horse and carriage, giving a lively running commentary as she went.

Tim Isaac, chairman of the Tendring Show, said the day had been a great success.

“We have been very lucky with the weather although at one stage I was a little worried it might be too hot,” he said.

“But we have had fantastic gate numbers and all the families here have had a wonderful time and really enjoyed themselves. The straw henge has been very, very popular with families and we are really pleased that it came together as it did.”

Mr Isaac said popular attractions which had returned for another year included the mother and baby tent and Amanda Saville’s Chariots of Fire Display.

And he revealed that show organisers have had to delay plans for 100th anniversary celebrations after researching the history of the show.

It was originally thought that this year was the 99th time the event had been held, but researchers discovered a number of years when the show did not go ahead, meaning the centenary is not until 2015.

Mr Isaac said the discovery meant the 75th anniversary show in the 1980s had been celebrated in the wrong year.

Final figures showed 21,500 people had attended the event, a slight drop compared to last year.