New Forest Show attracts 95,000 visitors
WITH around 95,000 visitors and plenty of glorious sunshine, the 2024 New Forest Show has been hailed a “huge success” by organisers.
The Bolddog FMX motorcycle display team were the highlight of the entertainment, wowing crowds with dizzying tricks and somersaults at the Happy Hot Tubs East Ring.
Other highlights of the show included the Motionhouse dance group, performing acrobatics, dance and circus skills in the community area, plus the heavy horse musical drive, a unique synchronised display put on just for New Forest Show crowds.
Horse lovers were well catered for in general at this year’s show, with 53 ‘Horse of the Year’ qualifying entrants taking part alongside hundreds of other classes in four display rings.
There were unexpected performances by an Army band popping up around the showground, much to the surprise and delight of visitors, plus the show’s new RSWSound Live Music Stage showcasing local bands throughout the day.
New for 2024’s show were demonstrations of chainsaw maintenance, log processing and kindling production from Sparsholt College students.
In the livestock areas show organisers said they were very pleased to welcome back the poultry tent after Avian Flu restrictions were relaxed. There was also ferret and terrier racing alongside, displays of falconry and gun dogs.
A spokesperson said: “Our local farmers put on a great display with a wide selection of well-groomed cattle, sheep, goats and a few donkeys all on display.”
They continued: “The glorious weather created its own challenges - additional shade areas were brought in, as well as water-filled pools for dogs to cool down, and additional water stations were made available for drinking water.
“Animal welfare was paramount and unfortunately some of the displays were cancelled due to excessive heat including the popular grand parade. Despite this, visitors were still able to see some of the finest livestock in the country on display.”
Audiences also enjoyed mouth-watering cooking sessions with local chefs in a cookery demonstration theatre. Among the chefs sharing their skills was Sutti Se-Upara of Anissa’s Thai Kitchen in Lyndhurst, Alex Rodham of the Master Builder’s House in Beaulieu, and Andrew Gault of The Stag Hotel in Lyndhurst.
In the family fun area, children and grown ups enjoyed performances from Rufus the dancing horse and the Milton Academy of Dance, plus an all day funky play bus and glitter fairies face-painting. New Forest District Council also celebrated its 50th anniversary at this year’s show, with a stand running activities including a mixed recycling challenge and a litter-themed bean bag toss.
Looking ahead to next year, organisers said that despite the show traditionally taking place around the last Wednesday of July, the dates for the 2025 show are not yet confirmed.
The spokesperson added: “The show society are keen to gather feedback from the public of when to put the show on.”
The New Forest Agricultural Show Society is a charity that puts on the show every year and provides year-round educational opportunities. The charity is currently fundraising to plant a mini forest at New Park, designed by local school children and providing schools and community groups an outdoor space to engage with nature.
To support the mini forest scheme, visit newparkfarm.org/miniforest
To share your views with organisers on when to host the 2025 show, visit bit.ly/newforestshow
For the full equine show results from this year, visit newforestshow.co.uk
