Bosses of this year’s Shropshire County Show today said the decision to stage the 2011 event a month earlier is already paying dividends, with entries up in a number of categories and a full trade ground.

Neale Sadler, who was voted in as the new show chairman last week, said they were focussing on providing a “fuller programme” of events this year which is already proving to be a popular with exhibitors

And the gamble to bring the show back to its traditional May date is already paying off with a surge in interest from exhibitors and traders, organisers have claimed.

More than 200 trade stalls will be packing out the showground in Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, at the two-day agricultural celebration running on May 14 and 15.

Mr Sadler, who is a Shrewsbury dairy farmer, said: “This is our second Shropshire Show since the problems we had a few years ago and the rebranding which has taken the show in a different direction.

“For about 10 to 15 years we held the event in June for the better weather but we succeeded in moving it into a congested period with competition from lots of other events.

“The new date will allow us to set the scene for the rest of the year. It was a good move and its already shown good results.

“Our dairy entries are up and we should have a full trade ground with over 200 stalls.

“We have taken a slightly different approach this year. In the past we have gone for big attractions, but this year we have gone for a fuller programme, with something for everyone.”

New attractions to the 2011 show will see bandstand events, as well as dog and poultry shows. Countryfile will also be returning to film at the show to launch their annual photography competition.

The Young Farmers will also be keeping crowds entertained with a “packing a Mini” competition in the main ring to see how many people they can fit in the diminutive car.

Rob Alderson, chairman of the NFU, said: “It was a good move bringing the show date back to May. It will get people who usually attend other shows back to Shrewsbury. This is our county show and the NFU are always here to show our support.”

A story in yesterday’s Shropshire Star incorrectly stated that the show was this weekend. The error is regretted.

By Sam Pinnington