RAF100 theme flying success for Lincs Show 2018 22 Jun

Visitors, traders and competitors were all smiles as clear skies and a great atmosphere led to an action-packed agricultural and historical Lincolnshire Show.

Advanced ticket sales were up compared to the previous year at every stage and this theme continued on the gate with the Showground team reporting an predicted increase in footfall and traders commenting on a great appetite for their products.

Jo Leach, from Blankney attended the Show with her husband and four-year-old daughter Olivia, she said: “The Countryside area is our family favourite. The whole show has a great atmosphere and we loved seeing the Red Arrows and Falcons. There’s something for everyone here and I think it’s great for families, my daughter loves to see the animals and how hands-on it is. We’ll definitely be returning next year.”

The Show, which is organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a charity that aims to educate the county about food, farming and a sustainable environment, produced one of its most exciting shows yet, highlighting not only Lincolnshire’s agricultural significance but also its roots in aviation history.

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “This year’s Show has been a roaring success – we’ve had beautiful weather, a great turn out and some fantastic entertainment and animal showcases and I think the food and shopping just improves year on year.

“It’s been great to see so many families and school children at the Show this year – the Discovery Zone and Schools’ Challenge means that they get to have fun while they learn about agriculture and their role in ensuring we maintain a sustainable environment, as well as getting to know more about their local history.”

Key entertainment highlights included a stunning parachute display from the RAF Falcons, as well as a series of flyovers and a dazzling Red Arrows display, a fantastic united retrievers dog show and the grand parade of livestock, where visitors viewed the Show’s award-winning sheep, pigs, cattle and horses in the Main Ring.

As well as exploring the county’s rich heritage, visitors shopped ‘til they dropped at the Show’s 600 trade stalls, selling everything from handmade furniture and arts and crafts to boutique jewellery and locally-produced cosmetics. Foodies were spoilt for choice with a huge selection of hot food and drink concessions as well as luxury foods to take away, from across the UK.

Amy Conyard from Louth-based Pin Gin, this year’s Grow with the Show winners, said: “We’ve had a great show – we completely sold out of product! The Show has been brilliant for us because we’ve been able to meet current customers, talk with potential stockists and raise our profile with consumers. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

George Eustice MP, minister of state for agriculture, fisheries and food, who visited the Show on Thursday, said: “This is my second year at the Lincolnshire Show and I think it’s a fabulous show, it’s kept its agricultural roots and remained true to its heritage and receives a lot of public support. As well as a great rural calendar event it’s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of our great local produce - really pleased to be supporting the Show.”

Lincolnshire Show 2019 is set for 19 and 20 June next year.

For more information on tickets, exhibiting, sponsorship opportunities, membership or hospitality packages, please visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk