Corby Glen Sheep Fair still a big draw despite terrible forecast
Organisers of this year's 782nd Corby Glen Sheep Fair say the event went extremely well despite visitor numbers being down on previous years.
Kaith Raby, chairman of the fair, estimated crowds at Sunday's event were down 40 per cent on previous years. Last year's event attracted about 3,000 visitors.
Mr Raby said: "Under the circumstances I think we did extremely well and I know the store holders did reasonable business. We have had some very good feedback from everybody. The forecast for the day was disastrous but we were extremely lucky with the weather on the day. I am extremely pleased. I don't think it could have gone any better."
One of the highlights of the event was the The Sheep Show which has been a regular fixture at the fair for the past four years. ‘Nobby’ the Norfolk Horn stands centre stage while other sheep are introduced to their podiums. The audience learns about each breed's attributes and how wool from the sheep becomes a jumper to wear.
A clay pigeon shoot raises money for the air ambulance every year, but this year it had to be cut short as the river burst its banks and started to flood the field in which the shoot was taking place.
Mr Raby added: "We aim to fill the square and two streets with stalls which we did and we get tremendous support from local businesses with raffle prizes. We are a non-profit making event so we need to make enough to put it on the following year and we are looking forward to the 783rd sheep fair. I would like to thank all our sponsors this year and also Alan Bontoft who puts in a tremendous effort with the clay pigeon shoot."
The fair was followed by the sheep sale on Monday where 500 sheep were on sale. The sale was watched by a number of local people and schoolchildren. Another sheep sale was held on September 2 when up to 1,400 sheep were put up for sale.
