Heavy rain fails to dampen Oswestry Show spirits
Organisers of one of Shropshire's biggest agricultural shows today hailed the event a huge success – despite a huge thunderstorm which caused some main ring entertainment to be scrapped.
Organisers of one of Shropshire's biggest agricultural shows today hailed the event a huge success – despite a huge thunderstorm which caused some main ring entertainment to be scrapped.
The cloudburst happened two hours before the end of Oswestry Show – leaving parts of the showground temporarily under water.
Organisers said they were fortunate the storm hit after most of the show's main events were over – but some main ring entertainment had to be stopped.
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Despite the storm, they said the atmosphere had been fantastic and also hailed the turnout – with more than 18,000 people pouring through the gates .
Oswestry Show president Peter Thompson, said: "It has been an excellent show. The quality of the animals was excellent. It was a very good turnout this year.
"I would like to thank all the people for the effort that has been put into the show. They do an excellent job."
Phil Jones, show chairman, said: "We have been pleased with the amount of people that have turned out.
"We have had crowds of people using the park and ride which has been a great success and brought lots of people from Oswestry.
"There was a fantastic atmosphere at the show this year."
People from as far as New Zealand travelled to Park Hall for the 127th event.
Activities during the day included a classic car and motorcycles display, craft marquee, food hall, horticultural hall, Women's Institute competitions, small livestock and model railway.
There was also a main ring, three rings for ponies and horses and The Village Green with entertainment.
There was also a main ring performance by equestrian outfit Gerard Naprous and The Devil's Horsemen.
Among the horses was Joey, star of last year's blockbuster film War Horse, and as part of the performance the Leader of Shropshire Council Councillor Keith Barrow and his wife Joyce were invited to ride around the main ring in chariots.
Mr Naprous said: "There was an enormous crowd and it went very well.
"It was very nice to come to Oswestry Show and see a lot of my old friends."
Councillor Barrow added: "Oswestry Show is brilliant.I had a great day and a chariot ride."
Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Martin Bennett said: "It has been amazing to find out how far people have come to be at the show. Someone said they came from New Zealand. I have been impressed by the turnout and the quality and variety in the craft and food stalls."
This year the show was sponsored by car dealers Arthurs of Oswestry.
Nigel Williams, Arthurs of Oswestry's managing director, said: "It is the first time we have been the main sponsor of Oswestry Show.
"Over the past few years the show has been really successful. I think this year is no different."
Visitors included Diane Miller, 34, of Morda, who took along her two children Bethan, aged three and Jack, aged one.
"This is our first time at the show and we enjoyed it," she said. "It was really good to see the horses, they are beautiful. It is a nice treat and knowing that Joey would be here also attracted us."
Daniel Lee, aged nine, was showing four of his Sebright chickens at the event.
He said: "I have come to the show every year since I was born.
"I like all the horses , chickens and poultry."
Bernie Dunmore, 68, from Berriew, said: "I have been to the show for four or five years. It is a genuinely good all-round show.
"It is a nice day out and ideal for families."
Ann Trimarco, 69, from Llanrhaeadr, has attended the show for more than 20 years.
"I love it," she said. "It is something I look forward to every year. I wish the show success and long may it continue."
