Gallery: South Suffolk Show sizzles in style

Dave Gooderham

THOUSANDS of people have ensured a popular agricultural show remains a firm favourite of the Suffolk summer calendar.

The South Suffolk Show was yesterday hailed a massive success as visitors of all ages flocked to the annual event.

Perennial attractions included livestock exhibitions and parade of hounds alongside a show-stopping monster trucks display that wowed the crowds.

Show secretary Geoff Bailes paid tribute to the support shown by both exhibitors and visitors and said the warm weather made sure the event went without a hitch.

He said: “It was a perfect show day and the whole event has been excellent - we couldn't have asked for better. In this year of recession, today has proven that the South Suffolk Show is not in recession.

“We have had an excellent response in the livestock categories with people travelling from all over the country while the monster trucks act was superb and enthralled the crowd.

“All of the attractions have been extremely enjoyable and another feature was the grand parade of livestock - one of the most important parts of an agricultural show. I must thank all the exhibitors who continue to support the show.”

Other popular features in the showground grand ring included a display from the Suffolk Gundog Club while the Suffolk Heavy Horses and vintage tractor displays also proved popular in the countryside ring.

The crowds stopped and stared in amazement as the “Grim Reaper” monster trucks crushed and sliced cars while the grand ring was also the venue for a number of horse showing classes.

And for the first time in eight years, this year's show also saw the return of the grand parade of livestock in addition to more than 100 trade exhibitors and a growing craft marquee.

Following the success of the event, held at the showground in Ampton, near Bury St Edmunds, donations will also be made to local charities.

- Full results from the South Suffolk Show will be published in the paper tomorrow and Wednesday.