Record crowd numbers at Cheshire County Show

This year’s Cheshire County Show has welcomed one of its largest crowds ever over the two-day event.

Total visitor numbers are still being counted up but they have comfortably beaten last year’s 80,000-strong crowd.

The agricultural show, at the Tabley Showground, near Knutsford, is this year celebrating its 175th anniversary and has done it in style with fantastic weather and a special visit from the Princess Royal.

The Princess Royal, who is also this year’s president of the Cheshire County Show, was given a tour of the showground and stopped to chat with members of Cheshire NAFAS and WI, as well as enjoying the horse section.

Nigel Evans, Executive Director of the Cheshire County Show, said: “This has been an outstanding year for the Cheshire County Show. We know it has been a success when we see so many smiling faces enjoying the event.

“We have been rewarded with wonderful weather and we have also been very proud this year to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, both of which have helped to attract our bumper crowds.

“Well done to everyone involved and a big ‘thank you’ to the crowds who have once again made the Cheshire County Show one of the biggest and best shows in the North West.”

Thousands of animals including livestock, horses, dogs and pigs competed in hundreds of classes over the two days.

This year also saw the English National Simmental Show at the show for the first time and the very first dedicated competition class for the South Devon cattle breed in the show’s history.

Main attractions for 2013 have also included thrilling performances from the world’s leading stunt motorcyclist Matt Coulter AKA ‘The Kangaroo Kid’ and stirring live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band who returned by popular demand.

The Sainsbury’s Agri-Centre offered visitors the chance to get a ‘hands on’ experience of farming and to learn more about where their food comes from.

As ever, the Roberts Speciality Food Hall and Food Live Theatre proved popular with visitors who enjoyed a wide range of culinary delights from over a hundred food producers from Cheshire and beyond.

It also offered live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs including Sean Wilson, Simon Rimmer, Nigel Haworth and 2010 Masterchef Professionals winner, Claire Lara.

Tony Garnett, Chairman of the Cheshire County Show, said: “It has been a real honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the show to help us celebrate this special anniversary year.

“She particularly enjoyed talking to exhibitors in the horse section, which we know is one of her passions.

“The show is always a great celebration of our farming heritage and so much more – and this year has been no exception. It continues to grow and be one of the best-enjoyed agricultural and family days out in the region.”