Rutland County Show celebrates 190th year with record number of visitors
More than 13,000 visitors attended a traditional agricultural show which celebrated its 190th year.
The Rutland County Show proved its popularity yesterday (Sunday, June 2) as animal owners and spectators flocked from far and wide to attend.
The annual celebration of rural living, which is held at Rutland Showground, has been taking place since 1834.
Sophie Howsam, show manager, said: “It was a very successful day with 13,000 people attending.
“The brilliant thing about the Rutland County Show is that it is all about community - that’s why we put it on.”
Visitors were kept entertained with livestock and equine showing classes, and a sheep show.
It wasn’t just the number of visitors which broke records but also the amount of animals entered into classes was higher than ever before. This included 500 light horses, 495 sheep and 100 cattle.
There was live music throughout the day which people could enjoy while indulging in food and drink, and vintage farm machinery, giant tortoises, craft demonstrations, climbing and archery.
The fundraising group For Rutland, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, also held a bottle tombola.
People were able to get a glimpse at the emergency services in the blue light zone with displays from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, Leicestershire Police, the community safety team, East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme and the Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes.
Sophie said: “The show only exists because of the volunteers.
“This year we had 150 people volunteering on the day, some who have taken on big roles. We couldn’t do it without them.”
An after-show party was added to the line up to celebrate the show’s 190th anniversary.
Our photographer Chris Lowndes captured some of the fun on the day. To order his photos, click here.
Did you attend? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
