Record crowd expected for Ellingham show as long as weather lets up, say organisers

A RECORD crowd is expected for this year’s Ellingham Show with organisers hoping the sun comes out for the day.

Held on 12th August, the event which is run by the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society and will be held at Somerley Park, near Ringwood, with gates opening at 9am.

Last year the popular dog show held during the event had to be cancelled because Britain was in the middle of a heatwave.

Chair Tom Hasted says organisers are now hoping that the current terrible weather will let up for the day.

He said: “Our many loyal visitors know full well the challenges we have faced in recent years. Last year it was so hot that we had to cancel our ever-popular dog-show and parade of hounds – decisions that were thoroughly endorsed by the RSPCA, but disappointing nonetheless.

“Understandably we also had fewer visitors who braved the intense sunshine, and less people through the gates leaves us with less money to distribute to local charities and good causes after the show.

“But this year, with a fair and gentle breeze behind us, we will be back to our traditional, complete programme, with six horse rings, our usual ‘entries on the day’ dog show, new acts in the main ring including a parade to celebrate 75 years of the Land Rover; plus many old favourites like the livestock show, the heavy horse display, crafts and horticultural marquees, and vintage farm machinery.”

There will also be a wide mix of shopping and food stalls around the showground, two bars and live music.

Fore more information visit www.ellinghamshow.co.uk.