Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show delights despite weather

With heavy rain forecast across the weekend, thousands still flocked to the grounds of Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, to see the best of Lancashire’s agricultural heritage.

In showcasing local talents in areas such as showjumping, dog running, horse parading, people travelled from all over the country to witness what this year’s show had to offer.

Horse shows were one of the main attractions at the Royal Lancashire Show (Image: NQ)

They were not put off by the weather - which was more reminiscent of a bleak autumnal day rather than the first weekend of the school summer holidays - braving the elements with umbrellas and wellies in their thousands.

Many still attended the show despite the weather conditions (Image: NQ)

The Saturday events were enjoyed by people of all ages and with all interests, with something to entertain everyone – including food and drink stalls such as Bowland Brewery and The Crusty Pie Company, children’s fairground rides, and family-friendly activities as well as the animal shows.

Estate owner and show chairman Colin Mustoe said: “Obviously we’ve had very difficult weather conditions but in spite of that there seems to be a pretty large turnover of people and everything seems to have gone pretty well. There’s been a typical northern spirit.

“I’m sure there will be less people coming than we would have had but in spite of that the events are going ahead and it’s been pretty good to me.

Estate owner and show chairman Colin Mustoe (Image: NQ)

“All the setting up was done when it was dry – the marquees, the roadways. These aluminium pathways are a godsend. We paid £27,000 to put those down so it’s easier for people to get around, particularly disabled people, people pushing prams or pushchairs, and most of the traffic is running on roads effectively.

“I think having the heavy horses back (has been my highlight). We’ve always had Thwaites doing their display but we now have a whole row of courses in the countryside ring. There has been a huge turnout of livestock which again is a very pleasing thing this last few years, and some really good showjumping, so it’s all gone pretty well.

“We’re pleased to have the military here as well. It’s a shame the parachute drop had to be cancelled today because of the weather. There’s low cloud so it’s not right for them to come in. But over the rest of the weekend, I’m looking forward to more of the same.”

Local craft and food vendors packed into the Salesbury Hall grounds (Image: NQ)

Rob and Liz Hopes, who travelled from Chorley to attend the show, said: “We’ve enjoyed it a lot. It’s the first time we’ve been to the Royal Lancashire Show. We’ve been to a few in Lincolnshire in the past.

“It’s well laid out and well done. Though I haven’t tried getting out of the car park yet!”

On the weather, Rob said: “I bought tickets in advance so I thought well having bought them I’m coming. If you live in Lancashire you can’t be put off by the weather.”

Speaking about her highlight of the day, Liz said: “Wherever we’ve been to talk to anybody, everyone has been so friendly. I think the atmosphere is what I’d say has been my highlight. The way the whole show feels and the flow of it.

“Do it again next year, whatever the weather!”