Newport Show enjoys record turnout in day to remember
Tens of thousands of people flocked to a record-breaking Newport Show which organisers have described as the "best in more than 100 years".
The show – regarded as one of the top one-day events of its kind in the Midlands and held for the 104th time – attracted hundreds of entries competing for a share of a £13,000 prize pot in several categories including livestock and horses.
Visitors to the event at Chetwynd Deer Park on the outskirts of the town were also able to take in trade stands and enjoy the best of local produce in the food hall. And people were also entertained with performances by the likes of Whitchurch Dog Display Team, motorcycle display team The Imps, the Airborne Gymnastics Club and Stafford Morris Men.
Organisers have claimed up to 15,000 people attended the event on Saturday and gave revealed advance ticket sales were up 50 per cent on last year.
Last year's event attracted about 12,000 people – despite wet weather.
Clare Farrell, show manager said: "It's been absolutely phenomenal,
"We've had record sales and our advance ticket sales have been up by 40 or 50 per cent on 2012.
"Everybody has watched the weather and acted in advance by buying tickets and they have enjoyed the benefits.
"This year I've received some lovely positive feedback from visitors, lots of people have come to speak to me and say how much they've enjoyed the day so far which is really lovely.
"I'd like to thank all the 100s of stewards who are all volunteers and have been brilliant in helping out throughout the day.
"Without them we would not have been able to do it."
Jan Roberts, a spokeswoman for the show, said: "Once figures are collated we expect the attendance to be up to 15,000 – the best in more than 100 years."
Melissa Timmis from Moor Farm in Baschurch displayed Hereford Cattle and won the championship prize with bull Shraden One Joker and reserve champion with one of their heifers.
She said: "I love it. Last year we managed to win the same prizes.
"It's a great show and although it's a bit warm for the cattle we can't complain."
In the village green area, Whitchurch Dog Display team put on a performance for the gathering crowds, demonstrating dog obedience as well as tricks which included jumping through flaming hoops and dance routines.
The green was officially opened by this year's Newport Carnival king and queen who made speeches to thank visitors for their attendance.
After the speech, Carnival king Brendan Overal, 10, who attends Moorfield Primary School said: "It's been a really nice day.
"The weather has been really nice and I've really enjoyed it."
Watching the display team was Ellen Langford-Edwards from Hinstock, who attends the show every year.
She said: "It was lovely, I've enjoyed everything that I've seen."
Elfed Jones from Wellington, said: "It's been lovely weather, it's nice to see when compared to last year and the weather brings people in. Last year we were sheltering from the thunderstorms, and this year we're sheltering from the sun."
As well as the agricultural and animal displays there were shopping and information stalls from a range of local shops, charities and businesses.
Jeremy Lamond from Halls auctioneers said: "We come every year and it's good to be here, it's a very busy show and it is nice to see people out in the sunshine and coming to see us.
"All the displays look very good and it's nice to support such a long standing and traditional event."
Another stall was occupied by the Newport Lions Club, which held raffles to raise cash for charity.
Andy Burns, club vice president, said: ""When the sun comes out, the people come out."
Round-up of winners from the event:
Horse Section: Agricultural Horse Champion – JJ Yates, Derbyshire with 'Eventide'; Hunter Champion – Lucie Turner, West Midlands with 'Bulgar'.
Trade Stands: Best Stand (over 8m) Rea Valley, Newport; Best Stand (under 8m) How Splendid, Lichfield.
Food Hall: Best Stand – Swift Bakery, Ludlow.
Long Service Awards: Farm secretary Jenny Cheshire, Tibberton Manor Farm, Newport; Farm worker David Thomas, AW Jones, Howle Manor, Newport.
Supreme Interbreed Dairy Champion – Andrew and Helen Wright, Kennels Farm, Tixall, Staffs; Supreme Beef Champion (Commercial) – Barley Farm, Worcester; Champion Hereford and Reserve Champion Hereford – The Timmis family, Moor Farm, Baschurch.
