Ok, I admit it: despite having lived in Suffolk all 26 years of my life, I’ve never actually been to the Suffolk Show before. Until today.
It’s without question one of the biggest events in the county’s calendar, but for some reason I have never made the journey, not even as a child.
So what were my experiences as a first time show-goer?
Well for one, it isn’t all about farming and agriculture. As the backbone of Suffolk’s rural industry it plays a prominent part in the show, but my ramble around the displays and tents proved it is far more than that.
You can bet that any local company will be here, be it food, farming, sport or motoring, and the sheer volume of different companies is one which is worth celebrating.
From sampling fine spirits at the Adnams pop-up shop to having a go at Paralympic sport Boccia in the sports village, variety is the order of the day, and you only need to turn down one alley to find something different.
While tasked with reviewing the day’s activity in the sports village, the chance to chat about zorb football and footgolf proved it’s a day as much about families as business, and smiles all around meant it was a genuinely infectious atmosphere.
And atmosphere for me is what the day is all about.
The glorious sunshine may have departed, but the blustery conditions couldn’t deter the packed ranks witnessing stunt motorcycle or horse displays in the arenas, or for the hardy ranks braving the beached area.
Except for last year’s barnstormer of a two-days, it’s almost become tradition to expect a good downpour or two, and on my first experience it’s easy to see why people make the annual pilgrimage, whatever the weather.
Without question my favourite part of the day was wandering around some of the sportscars on display – a certain Jaguar caught my eye, but I wouldn’t say no to one of the TVRs, Nobles or Porsches on display either.
And having filmed a last bit of footage for the website, and penned my tales for tomorrow’s newspaper, my first ever day at the Suffolk Show was over.
But after what I experienced today, I’ll definitely be back next year.
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