Crowds turn out to support the Lincolnshire Show
Thousands of people flocked to the 141st Lincolnshire Show – with visitors praising it as a ‘celebration of what the county has to offer’.
The annual event celebrates the county’s food farming and heritage and took place on June 17, and June 18.
Susan Easters, 67, said: “It’s a celebration of Lincolnshire. I love looking at all of the arts and crafts and the cakes.
“The cakes are beautiful. They’re completely handmade – none of that artificial stuff. It’s a celebration of what Lincolnshire has to offer.”
The show is organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society – a registered charity dedicated to educating the public on food, farming and the countryside.
The 270 acre venue features about 500 exhibitors and 2,500 animals.
West Lindsey District Council was also delighted to welcome so many people to its marquee.
Despite a mixture of warm sunshine and light rain, spirits remained high, with big smiles all around as families, residents and visitors came together to celebrate everything Lincolnshire has to offer.
Children and adults alike enjoyed taking part in Viking-themed activities, which proved to be a huge hit. The theme was chosen to mark the 50th anniversary of the Viking Way, which passes through the district.
Visitors got creative by colouring in Viking characters, as well as designing and making their very own shields.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Coun Jackie Brockway, said: “It has been absolutely lovely, particularly seeing families and children joining in with our activities.
“I love the fact the marquee is very accessible, and we have had children with disabilities who have been able to take part. People have stayed with us for a long time, chatting and asking questions.
“The show is a terrific draw for both tourism and the economy. It feels like there are more people here this year, and the stallholders appear to be attracting trade in a lot of places. It is an important social and commercial event and, for the farms, it highlights what they do, how much it costs and the work involved.
“It really does make farming in Lincolnshire a reality, especially for people who do not have a lot to do with farmers.”
The council was also pleased to welcome Curly’s Athletes, who were promoting two exciting sporting events taking place in West Lindsey later this year. Their presence generated plenty of interest, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about upcoming ways to get involved in athletics across the district.
Art, from Curly’s Athletes, said: “We’ve had a great time engaging with people who have visited our stand. We’ve been explaining to people who we are and that we are a community and charity-focused events team. All of our events are inclusive, and this will be particularly illustrated in our next event, the Viking 1, 2, 3, 4, 5K.”
Coun Matthew Boles, chairman of West Lindsey District Council, said: “It was great to see so many people, especially younger visitors, enjoying the robot dogs brought to our stand by Step Fusion.
“It has been great. My highlight has been meeting residents, talking to people and seeing them enjoying themselves. There has been lots to do and enjoy.”
The council would also like to give a special thank you to Step Fusion and their team for bringing along their impressive robot dogs. The team are behind the STEP Fusion programme, which will see the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant built at West Burton.
The innovative technology attracted large crowds throughout the event, sparking fascinating conversations and giving visitors a chance to discover more about Step Fusion’s work and the role emerging technologies can play in our communities.
Kai Harrison, visual communications at STEP Fusion, said: “It’s been really exciting. We’ve had huge crowds, including lots of primary schools.
“It’s great to be here with the local community around the West Burton site and having Gainsborough on our doorstep, as well as working with our local authority partners, such as West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council, who are both hugely supportive of the project.”
And another special thanks goes to Jacqui Thompson, owner of The Plant Pot, who provided the catering at the West Lindsey stand.
Jacqui, who also manages the Lincoln Rugby Club site, said: “I love being at the Lincolnshire Show and supporting West Lindsey District Council — it is a great relationship. There has been lots of interest in the rugby club too, which has been great.”