Visitor numbers treble for Countryside Lincs 2016 11 Apr

Returning for its second year, the annual event on 10 April saw ticket sales soar triple as more than 3,000 visitors attended for a hands-on day of fun and learning about farming and Lincolnshire heritage.

Children and families were able to meet their favourite farmyard animals, speak to local farmers and try their hand at a variety of crafts. An Indoor Market Stall was also introduced for the first time this year, allowing visitors to try and buy delicious local produce while children could participate in interactive workshops making soups, smoothies and sausages.

Jayne Southall, CEO at Lincolnshire Showground, was delighted with the increased turn-out. She said: “Countryside Lincs is always an exciting and enjoyable event and it was great to see so many children and families attend the event to learn about agriculture and more importantly, have fun while doing so.

“This year, we wanted to make Countryside Lincs even bigger and better than before with a host of new activities to entertain both children and families. The cheese, bread, pork pie and lemon curd making proved to be a massive hit among the children while the new Indoor Market Stall made sure there was a little something extra for the adults to enjoy.”

The Let’s Talk Farming and the Sheep Road Show put audiences in awe with its first special guest appearance at the Showground, while crowd-pleasing displays from birds of prey and gundogs returned for its second year.

Children were also invited to explore Lincolnshire’s finest vintage tractors alongside newer models in the dedicated state-of-the-art Tractor Zone, before jumping aboard their first tractor ride around the site.

Volunteers for Lives, who give up their free time to respond to emergencies across Lincolnshire, were also on hand to teach visitors important life skills, including CPR and first aid.

Rosie Crust, education officer for the Lincolnshire Showground added: “At the Showground, we understand how important it is to educate and inform children about Lincolnshire’s great rural heritage.

“We visit numerous schools across the country as part of our Tractors in School programme and the Lincolnshire Show will have an increased educational presence this year with the introduction of the Educational Marquee. However, Countryside Lincs is our only annual event that is especially catered for children and educating them.

“I would like to thank the traders, helpers, farmers and our sponsors Western Power Distribution, QV Foods, the Lincolnshire Echo, Sir Richard Sutton Estates and BEDE Events Ltd who helped make the event a day to remember for all of our visitors.”