Thousands of visitors flocked to one of Northumberland’s biggest agricultural shows.
Glendale Show, which takes place near Wooler, saw around 12,000 people turn out in spite of drizzling rain.
Show organisers were left stunned as the industry rallied, filling both the sheep and cattle show classes well in advance of show day on Bank Holiday Monday, with late entries having to be turned away.
Along with strong entries in the livestock sections organisers have said an interest in home baking, fuelled by the Great British Bake Off has led to thousands of entries not only in the industrial categories but also in terms of the horticultural entries.
The show, which has been running for 123 years, adopted a sheep theme - the first in its history.
Andrew Walton, chief livestock steward at the show, said: “We are delighted that in recent years classes of all kinds have become increasingly popular, and we are constantly looking to expand into new areas to accommodate this interest.
“This year we have attracted a phenomenal amount and calibre of entries and now we just hope that many people will come to enjoy this tremendous rural showcase.”
It was the first year the event’s donkey section has been affiliated with the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association, making Glendale Show the only agricultural show north of Leicestershire to hold the honour.
Nick Hargreave, the retiring show chairman, said the show had more than doubled in size over the past 15 years.
He said: “It’s been a lovely day and I’d say we’ve had about 12,000 visitors.
“It’s been fascinating about five or six years ago the livestock entries really dropped off but they’ve really come back now.
“I think what happened with the changes to livestock movement put a lot of people off but they’ve got used to it now and this has been the first year in my 15 where we’ve been oversubscribed.”
After a seven year spell as show chairman Mr Hargreave said he would step down next year but he will remain a devoted member of the committee.
He added: “I involvement won’t change but it’s just time for somebody else.
“I think the best thing about the show is just to see people enjoying themselves, to see them five, or six, deep at the main ring, and just seeing happy faces both with the public and the exhibitors.”
