Storm-hit Oswestry Show site will recover quickly

Oswestry Showground will recover quickly from the freak thunderstorm which brought the annual show to an abrupt end organisers say.

Heavy rain and hailstones forced thousands to dive for cover and led to the cancellation of two events in the main ring. Those trying to leave were forced to sit out the downpour until vehicles could get off car parks in safety, and traders found their stands ankle deep in water.

About 18,000 people attended the 127th Oswestry Show, to enjoy main ring entertainment, horses, cattle, sheep and other livestock competitions, crafts, vintage machinery, food stalls and more than 100 trade stands.

But at 4pm a thunderstorm hit the showground. The storm was described as 'freakish' by show chairman Phil Jones who said two events in the main ring had to be cancelled.

Heavy rain formed pools in different areas of the grounds and some exhibitor stands flooded, but Mr Jones said damage to the grounds was minimal.

"The rain has not done a great deal of damage to the showground. It was just a flash flood. The water damage is minimal."

Tori Ward, chairman of Oswestry's Young Farmers' Club, said the weather meant the club had to cancel its Olympic theme event in the main ring.

Volunteers from Oswestry museum who had a stall at the show said the gazebo they were sharing became ankle deep in water while Lowri Roberts, from Siop Cwlwm, said she had to move stock to higher ground. "We were up to our ankles in water," she said. "It felt like the beginnings of the Wizard of Oz."

Arthurs, the Vauxhall dealer in Oswestry and Newtown, were the show's main sponsor. Its managing director, Nigel Williams, said the event was still a success

Terry Adlington, who was on site, said: "I have gone to county shows for over 33 years and have not ever experienced the like before."

Liz Hindmarch, of Qube in Oswald Road, said: "It was still a good show."

Earlier this year the showground was tested when heavy rain at the Osfest music festival turned many areas into mudbaths.

See also:

• Heavy rain fails to dampen Oswestry Show spirits (pictures)

• Oswestry Show results