SHOW SEES RECORD NUMBERS THROUGH THE GATES
2 July 2015, Press Releases
THOUSANDS of visitors to this year's Lincolnshire Show meant contingency land had to be cleared to make way for more car parking in what proved to be the biggest year yet of the 131st Show.
It is expected that more than 60,000 visitors flocked through the gates on 24 and 25 June to see the vast amount of attractions. Advanced ticket and on the gate sales hit a record amount, says CEO of the Showground Jayne Southall.
Jayne said: "The Show ran incredibly smoothly this year and that is thanks to the hard work of more than 200 stewards and the dedication from all the showground team.
"A big thank you to all of our traders and acts who made the Show so special for visitors.
"It proved to be the best year yet as by 11am on the first day we had to cut down barley on one of our fields to make way for more car parking spaces.
"This is also the last year that Richard Collett is acting as Show Director so we want to wish him well and thank him for his support on helping to the make the show what it is today."
The RAF Falcons were a huge success with visitors as they dropped into the main ring on both days diving from 32,000ft. The Kangaroo Kid wowed the crowds by jumping trucks on his quadbike and the Shetland Pony Grand National provided entertainment for all on its first ever visit to the show.
Visitors travelled from far and wide to attend and see the hundreds of trade stands selling the finest Lincolnshire produce.
Boston Sausages proved to be a hit with hungry visitors, as well as award-winning pork from Redhill Free Range Pork Ltd.
Amelia Chambers, Showground Marketing Manager, said: "We won't know final visitor numbers for another two weeks when all ticket sale figures have been gathered. Although initial reports indicate that this year numbers have rocketed.
"We had 600 traders come to the Show as we did not clash with the Royal Highland Show this year. We were incredibly pleased to welcome them to see the fantastic atmosphere that Lincolnshire has to offer.
"Also a big thank you to the Red Arrows who surprised our visitors to a fantastic air display!"
More schools than ever attended the show for the Schools' Challenge which saw youngsters take part in a series of workshops and learn about the land based industry.
Amelia added: "Teaching young people about agriculture and farming is a key aim for us and what the Show has its roots in. We continually try to impress on youngsters the importance of farming and agriculture for the industry's future, we need to educate the next generation to ensure its success."
Lady Sarah McCorquodale – President of this year's Show – said she was impressed with the range of things on offer.
"I have had an excellent few days as president of the 131st Show. Every avenue across the show was full of people and had an excellent variety of things going on," she said.
"I am very familiar with the Show and have been attending for more than 30 years. As president it was great to be shown around the livestock lines and to actually be able to ask questions and learn in detail about the different breeds of animals being exhibited. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, who own the land that was harvested for more car parking space, will reimburse the farmer whose crops were cleared.
