Record number of visitors at Great Harwood show (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Record number of visitors at Great Harwood show

8:00pm Monday 31st May 2010 in

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PLANS to host even more events at Great Harwood’s showground are in the pipeline thanks to the ongoing success of the agricultural show.

Organisers believe today's event had a record number of visitors based on queues and demand for parking. It was also the show’s biggest year, with the field extended from the 40 acre plot used for last year’s show to 60 acres.

Oganisers are planning a further extension for next year, the 145th in the event’s history, as the show goes from strength to strength in a time when other agricultural events are struggling to stay afloat.

Secretary of Great Harwood Agricultural Society Rona Westwell said investment in the ground’s infrastructure meant the committee was considering using the showground for other community events such as an animal-free circus and events with Accrington Riding Club.

She said: “Now the roads and drainage are in place there seems no reason why we can’t allow the use of our new site for other events throughout the year and we have had some interest shown by a variety of groups.

“The success of this year’s show was amazing with more people there than ever. It’s very exciting because we need a good show in East Lancashire and things are on the up.”

New events this year included jousting displays, sheep dog trials, which were part of national qualifiers, displays from Lancashire Constabulary’s police dogs and a children’s baking and mask-making competition in addition to regular favourites.

Visitors enjoying the bank holiday sunshine also pronounced it bigger and better than ever.

Linda Whitehead, 70, from Great Harwood, said: “It was fantastic.”

Mel Kershaw, 41, who was visiting with husband Rob and daughters Katy, Emily and Rebecca, said: “I hadn’t been to the show since I was little because I moved away and it was a vast improvement. The new location is just fantastic.”

Stephen Jones, from Accrington, attended with wife Kate and their four-year-old daughter Mia.

He said: “We will definitely be back next year.

“We had a great day and were impressed with how much there was to do.”

Click here to view and buy pictures from the show.