GALLERY Thousands of people enjoyed a spectacular country event in deepest Essex this weekend.

James Hore

THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a spectacular country event in deepest Essex this weekend.

The Blackwater Country Show in Heybridge, near Maldon yesterday was raising funds for the Essex Air Ambulance.

Now on its third outing, it has already donated more than £4,000 and organisers hope that this will be a record-breaking year.

There were a host of event for visitors to enjoy, kicking off with a falconry display, gun dog demonstration and a side saddle spectacular.

Swords were drawn for a gladiators re-enactment and people also had a chance to wet a line with the fishing demonstrations and lessons on the lake.

Landowner David French, from the organising committee, said: “We have had quite a few thousand people here today - I think it is the highest turnout since we started three years ago.

“Highlights have included the working heavy horses and the side saddle and sheepdog displays.

“It has been an all-round good day - one of the main aims for me is to educate local people about what is going on in the countryside, we don't want it to have a car boot sale feel to it and I think we are succeeding with that.”