By Dave GooderhamTHE organisers of one of the region's premier agriculture shows have admitted they came within hours of cancelling the event because of the bad weather.

By Dave Gooderham

THE organisers of one of the region's premier agriculture shows have admitted they came within hours of cancelling the event because of the bad weather.

But the South Suffolk Show went ahead yesterday and although the attendance was down on previous years, organisers said it had been an enjoyable and successful event.

Show secretary Geoff Bailes said: "After the previous week's wet weather, the nicest thing is that we had a show.

"On Saturday morning there was not a promising outlook for the show, but with resolve and determination, we managed to make sure the South Suffolk Show carried on.

"It was very successful for some exhibitors and we are appreciative of all the visitors who came along to a thoroughly enjoyable show."

"The show has grown over the last few years and has become more known to the public as a good family day out."

The event is organised by the South Suffolk Agricultural Association and is held at Ampton Racecourse, near Bury St Edmunds.

Speaking at the end of the East Anglian Daily Times-sponsored show, Mr Bailes paid special praise to everyone who had made sure the event went smoothly.

He said it was too early to estimate how many thousands of people had flocked to the racecourse – last year there were 12,000 people on the showground by mid-afternoon – but predicted it would be less than 2003 because of the poor weather.

The show featured a host of attractions and craft stalls, as well as the traditional classes for sheep, cattle, pigs and horses.

It also featured an exhilarating motorcycle display from the Royal Artillery team, the Flying Gunners, who left visitors young and old gasping at their death-defying stunts, concluding with a 17-man pyramid formation.

Other popular attractions included the Rockwood Dog Display team, who have featured on a host of television shows, and a display by one of the country's leading falconry teams.

Clay pigeon shooting, a parade of hounds and an array of children entertainment were also on show, along with dozens of craft and trade stalls.

The South Suffolk Show first started in 1888 and has been running in its present format since the 1940s.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk