Burwarton Show is back after 'monsoon'
Shropshire's premier one-day agricultural show is back – and organisers say "hugely encouraging" ticket sales prove absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Burwarton Show, which dates back to 1891 and regularly attracts 20,000 visitors a year, had to be cancelled last year due to torrential downpours and monsoon conditions.
But the first marquee was due to go up on the show field, between Bridgnorth and Ludlow, today signalling that the event is back.
It is due to take place on August 1 and organisers have spent thousands on improving drainage to make sure it does not fall foul to the weather again.
Another first this time will see a sheep-shearing competition added to the entertainment.
Show chairman Richard Yates said: "Unfortunately we had to cancel last year due to the dreadful weather.
"But that has only strengthened our resolve to put on an even better Burwarton Show.
"We have laid extra drainage on the main ring and extra drainage on the show field using grant money.
"There will be a sheep-shearing competition for first time in many years.
"I am sure there have been sheep shorn on the field but I am 47 this year and I have never missed a show, and I certainly cannot recall seeing it, so it's been a while.
"We want to put on new and entertaining things for the people who come to visit us."
Mr Yates said he was delighted with the response from the general public for the return of the event.
"The phone has been going off the hook this morning for tickets," he said. "Some people may have gone to Newport at the weekend, enjoyed themselves and are now buying tickets for us.
"The phones are very, very busy and we have 25 outlets also selling as well so we are very happy with the way the pre-show sales are going.
"There seems to be much interest in Burwarton this year. People have an appetite and enthusiasm for Burwarton because of the lack of an event last year. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Other entertainment on the day – as well as all the usual animal classes – include quad bike stunt team The Kangaroo Kids and professional falconers Hawkeye.
For further information, or to buy tickets, log onto www.burwartonshow.co.uk
