THOUSANDS from town and country came together to brave the rain in support of Kenilworth Show.
Crowds gathered at the agricultural event near Stoneleigh on Saturday (June 6) as a packed programme of main ring attractions, featuring quad bike stunts, high-speed equestrian racing, an epic tug of war battle between Coventry Rugby Club and Warwickshire Young Farmers and the ever-popular Grand Parade of livestock, kept families entertained all through the day.
Organisers the Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society unveiled a series of firsts including a brand-new food hall, packed full of independent local traders, virtual reality clay pigeon shooting, a typhon fighter jet simulator and an art competition judged by mayor Coun Alison Insley.
As part of the Growing Food Locally competition, local schools were asked to submit pieces that reflected on the question, ‘What the countryside means to me?’
Daredevil Paul Dannam was a late addition to the main ring schedule and thrilled the crowds with a series of exhilarating tricks and a grand finale jump which saw him fly through the sky, clearing four huge vehicles in the process, before landing on a ramp the other side.
The Village Green was a hive of activity as people gathered to indulge in an array of food and refreshments stalls and to watch a diverse line-up of acts on the Trailer Stage.
The event also boasted dog and sheep shows, an equine section, static and moving displays of vintage and modern machinery and a procession of classic cars and motorbikes.
Some of the region’s best-kept cattle and sheep were on display during livestock competitions. Visitors were able to get hands-on with different crafts in the Discovery Barn and try out a number of rural pursuits in the Countryside Area. Plenty of fun was also had in the children’s entertainment area where a fun fair, face painting and inflatables were among the attractions.
Clare Price, Chairman of KADAS, said: “It was great to bring countryside and urban communities together and to educate people about where their food comes from. I think the city, and even some villages, has lost a bit of a connection with our British farmers and so the show is the perfect way to bridge that gap.
“Everyone supported the ethos of where our food comes from, how important our farmers are and the good jobs they do. The show was a huge success and we look to build on that next year as we continue to grow.”
