Oswestry showground good for economy
As Oswestry Show organisers prepare to open the gates on this year's event they revealed that a new festival bringing thousands of pounds into the economy will move to the town later this year.
The Park Hall Showground is used not only to host the annual Oswestry Show, which will be held on Saturday, but as a venues for local and national events throughout the year.
International showjumping event, the Scope Festival - with £150,000 prize money, will be held from August 20-26, moving from its traditional venue in Staffordshire.
Show president, Mr Steve Mosford, said the event was a major coup for the Oswestry and District Agricultural Society.
"We are expecting hundreds of competitors at the event over the week from across the UK and further afield.
"They will be staying in the area, eating at local restaurants and cafes, shopping locally and putting fuel in their vehicles. It all brings money into the Oswestry economy."
Wendy Dodwell from the Scope Festival said 2,000 horses were competing at the event which included an international section and £150,000 prize money.
"We will be erecting a large, indoor arena on the showground," she said.
"Competitors and supporters will be staying in local B&Bs and visiting Oswestry, it is good for the area."
Saturday's Oswestry Show is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors with a full day of entertainment.
Mr Mosford said it was a day that brought together town and country.
"It is a really big day out for visitors. We are a traditional show where people can see the magnificent farm animals and discover where their food comes from.
"Agriculture is hugely important to the economy of the area from farms to the companies that supply those farms.
"Oswestry continues to have a vibrant economy and it is still noticeable that on market day, which both the livestock market and retail market are on, that the town is busy."
A veterinary surgeon in the area for 35 years, Mr Mosford said one of his favourite part of the show was the heavy horse section.
"There are not many places left where you can see these magnificent animals," he said.
This year's main ring attractions include a Field Gun display, echoing the previous history of Park Hall, a former army camp.
Teams race to dismantle, move and re-assemble former Royal Tournament, 12-pounder guns.
There will also be a display by The company of Horsemen is a family run business based in Staffordshire who put on a spectacular jousting tournament.
Show chairman, Mr Nigel Whittingham, said the show could only go ahead because of the band of volunteers who gave up their time to help not only on Saturday but in the days leading up to the event.
Tickets are available on line, www.oswestryshow.co.uk, from the show office at Park Hall or from a range of outlets in and around Oswestry.
