Rain fails to spoil show (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Rain fails to spoil show

CROWDS approaching 150,000 flocked to the ever popular four-day Bath and West Show despite some heavy and prolonged rain and the almost constant threat from storm clouds.

Brief spells of sunshine were shortlived but visitors came prepared with brollies, wellies and the makeshift protection of binbags to enjoy the traditions of farming and agricultural shows such as cattle, poultry, vegetables and flowers, displays of countryside skills spiced with top quality displays for all ages, a fun fair and about 1,000 trade stands.

The Duke of Kent was guest of honour of the show on Friday and he presented long service awards, the new Rural Business Development awards as well as viewing the livestock and many other features of the show.

He also took the chance of a free ride on the miniature steam and petrol powered railway, the Shepton Mallet showground's own Bath and West Railway which was officially opened at this year's show and which offered rides to the public.

Exhibitors and visitors were from all over the UK and 550 cattle, 1,250 sheep 320 pigs, 330 alpacas and more than 200 goats were on parade at the west country's biggest agricultural showcase.

One of the largest exhibits was the wooden mythical winged monster with an eagle-like head and the body of a lion constructed by the Tree Pirates, a chainsaw sculpture team which will take pride of place at the nearby Glastonbury Festival alongside the 35ft high scorpion built for the festival last year.

A military tattoo was the highlight of the main ring events and the show was brought to a close at 5pm on Saturday with a moving parade that included Chelsea Pensioners, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Photographs appear in this week's Wiltshire Times