Brilliant Mid Wales event just misses record figures
The Royal Welsh Show has narrowly missed out on record-breaking attendance figures, but has been bigger and more successful in most other ways organisers say.
After a week of sun and a visit from the Prime Minister to boost the crowds there were predictions last year's 241,781 people may be smashed – but numbers capped at 237,453.
Katie Williams, show spokeswoman, said: "Last year we had Prince Charles visiting on the Wednesday so figures were was unusually high. This year we had David Cameron, but his visit was not publicised until he was on the ground.
"It was a very successful show in all other ways. We had more numbers of paying public come through the gates, more people joining the society as members, more cars in the park and ride car park, record livestock entries and more trade stands than ever before."
Miss Williams said 52,631 people attended on Monday, 63,591 on Tuesday and a bumper 71,002 on Wednesday, meaning a crowd of 55,000 yesterday would have broken the record.
But figures were on a par with previous years. In 2010 the show attracted 231,346 visitors, followed by 227,513 in 2011 and 241,099 in 2012.
The show has been commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War with a series of military main ring attractions and displays. The big attraction in the main ring was the King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery – the Queen's ceremonial Saluting Battery equestrian soldiers who are trained to drive a team of six horses that pull the First World War 13-pounder state saluting guns at a gallop.
The Royal Signals White Helmets have also been thrilling the crowds with its display of 22 serving soldiers riding a mix of Triumph 750, Honda 400 Kawasaki 250 motorcycles and quads. The feats of balance, death-defying crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics, show all the qualities of teamwork, courage, trust, strength and agility needed in the modern Army.
On the first three days of the show there has was a double aerial display from the Hawker Hurricane and the high performance Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh also performed .
Steve Hughson, chief executive of the show, said: "The Royal Welsh Show is honoured this year to have such a strong military presence both in the main ring, overhead and on the military stand. We should all acknowledge the excellent work our armed forces have done and will continue to do in our name."
