Shropshire County Show declared a success despite clash with concert
The organisers of Shropshire's County Show have said they were delighted with this year's event – even though attendance was down by more than 1,000.
The Shrewsbury-based show, which has been a county fixture, took place for the 142nd time last Saturday.
However, in the run up to the event the organisers expressed concern over a clash with the Let's Rock Shrewsbury concert, which attracted around 10,000 people to The Quarry.
Shrewsbury Town Council, which organised the Let's Rock event, have confirmed they will be hosting another large concert next year, although they have said it will take place in July – avoiding a clash with the county show.
Ian Bebbington, director of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society charity which organises the county show said: “The weather forecast was not great but the weather turned out to be kind to us. It all went off extremely well.
PICTURES AND VIDEO - Thousands turn out for Shropshire County Show
“We were about 1,000 down on last year but I think that can be attributed to the big 80s concert in The Quarry. That certainly affected us.
“Ahead of the show we had anticipated losing between about 500 and just over the thousand and that proved to be the case.
“It was still a great day numbers wise and we had thousands of visitors attend. We had some great attractions, including 1,000 animals on show and traders say they had an excellent day as well.
“The aim was to pull out all the stops to make it a fabulous show - and I think we succeeded."
Alongside the traditional agricultural displays was a walking, roaring dinosaur, a variety of free activities in the kids zone, hundreds of trade stands and the first round of the British Tractor Pulling Championships.
Mr Bebbington said planning is now underway for next year's event.
He said: "The end result is that we have successfully completed our 142nd show and we are already planning our 143rd next year.
"We are already working on our main ring attractions and can promise some tremendous items next year that will be of interest to people of all ages.
"As we progress with our plans over the coming months we will be releasing information of what is on offer and details of tickets. So watch this space."
