Pictures and video: Thousands flock to Oswestry Show 2016

Visitors to the 131st show basked in glorious sunshine as fine weather greeted the crowd.

The show was first established in 1817 and has since grown into one of the county's leading one-day events.

Families and people from an agricultural background were among the visitors to the event who were treated to a packed programme of entertainment at the showground on Saturday(AUG6).

Among those who attended were Oswestry mayor Paul Milner and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson who helped with the judging.

Show chairman Malcolm Roberts said the event has retained its reputation as a traditional agricultural show – but now offers something for all the family.

Benefitting from favourable weather, Mr Roberts anticipated visitor numbers to the show would once again reach up to 16,000.

"The weather is perfect, it couldn't have been better," he said at the show on Saturday.

"It has been good weather to prepare for the show and even better weather for the show itself.

"We have had a record number of horticultural entries as well as sheep shearing entries.

"The quality of the trade stands is tremendous.

"Why it is so popular is because we have kept its agricultural routes. It remains very much an agricultural show.

"It is chance for the farming and non-farming community to get together, meet up with old friends and take a look at what is new in the industry.

"This year we are celebrating British and local produce and urging visitors to ensure that the food they are buying is farmed in Britain.

"The show committee is leading the way by using local businesses or businesses who use local produce for its catering."

This year the main ring attractions at the show included The White Helmets Royal Signal Motorcycle Team and Bobb Hogg with his sheepdogs and ducks, while the Sir Watkins Williams Wynn Hunt introduced its pack of old English foxhounds to visitors.

Many trade stands were situated around the venue, with separate sections for craft and food.

Elsewhere on the field, from as early as 8.30am, visitors were able to enjoy watching the judging of horses, cattle, sheep, rare breeds and goats before heading off to see the popular sheep shearing competition.

Judges are engaged from all over the country to preside on the day.

The crowd gathered around the arena for the mass parade of winners for the livestock, and also the vintage cars and tractors.

During the day there was also a variety of entertainment on the village green, face painting and magic for the younger generation, and for those who wished to sit and relax for a while performances from the Porthywaen Brass Band.

Visitors were able to take a look at the many entries in the horticultural marquee, with entries from far and wide.

The small livestock and pet building was also a busy place where judging of poultry and pigeons were seen.

The show finale was a special version of the television show Total Wipeout organised by local Young Farmers Clubs.

A lot of Shropshire-based charities and groups were well represented at the show.

One of them was the Oswestry Men's Shed club which was set-up in 2014.

The club, which has 30 members, is based at Oswestry Showground.

Member Barry Jones said: "I used to come as a member of the public and think it is a brilliant show.

"It is one of the best shows this side of the county and they have made us very welcome here.

"We are open for people who want a chat and we do little projects."

One of the exhibitors at the show was artist Meg Hawkins, from Burwarton, in south Shropshire.

She said: "I am a watercolour artist who is quite contemporary.

"This is my first time here and I have to say the venue is fantastic. Everything seems well spread out rather than feeling like you are on top of each other.

"I have been to other shows like the Burwarton Show and small fetes. I find them really good as you get to meet new people and make some good contacts."

The show once again attracted a mix of local people as well as those who travelled from outside the county.

Among them was David Johnson, from Oswestry, who attended with his family.

"We have come here for the last few years and think it is great," he said.

"We come from an agricultural background so it is ideal for us.

"I enjoy seeing the machinery and livestock.

"It seems to be well organised, there is plenty to see and do, and obviously this year we are blessed with lovely weather."

Paul Greaves, from Shrewsbury, said: "It is our first time here and we have been very impressed.

"We have been to similar shows and this is as good as the others.

"There is plenty to see and there is plenty for everyone.

"It is nice to see so many young families here as well.

"The weather is great which always helps attracts more numbers."

Mr Roberts, who is stepping down as show chairman after this year's event, added: "I want to say a big thank you to our neighbours who have offered us fields for the car parks as well as our volunteers.

"Without these people the show would not happen."