RECORD crowds turned out in force to celebrate the borough’s farming heritage at this year’s outstanding Cheshire County Show.

Glorious weather attracted more visitors than ever, and although the final numbers are yet to be finalised, organisers have confirmed they have comfortably beaten last year’s crowd of 80,000.

The two-day sun-soaked agricultural event, which took place at the Tabley Showground, near Knutsford, celebrated its 17th anniversary last Tuesday and Wednesday, with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal proving to be the icing on the cake.

HRH The Princess Royal - this year’s show president - was given a tour of the showground where she stopped to chat with members of Cheshire National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) and Women’s Institute (WI), as well as enjoying the horse section.


Allostock farmer Tony Garnett, chairman of the Cheshire County Show, said: “It has been a real honour to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the show to help us celebrate this special anniversary year.

“She particular enjoyed talking to exhibitors in the horse section, which we know is one of her passions.

“The show is always a great celebration of our farming heritage and so much more – and this year has been no exception.

“It continues to grow and be one of the best enjoyed agricultural and family days out in the region.”

The premiere event is famous for its thousands of animals including livestock, horses, dogs and pigs competing in hundreds of classes over the two days.

This year also saw the English National Simmental Show at the show for the first time and the very first dedicated competition class for the South Devon cattle breed in the show’s history.

Main attractions for this year’s prestigious event also included thrilling performances from the world’s leading stunt motorcyclist Matt Coulter, aka ‘The Kangaroo Kid’ and live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band who returned by popular demand.

The Roberts Speciality Food Hall and Food Live Theatre once again proved popular with visitors who enjoy a wide range of culinary delights from more than a hundred food producers from Cheshire and beyond.

Live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs Sean Wilson, Simon Rimmer, Nigel Haworth and 2010 Masterchef Professionals winner Claire Lara also proved popular, as did displays from Gauntlets Birds of Prey and vintage farm machinery and cars.

The Sainsbury’s Agri-Centre offered visitors the chance to get a ‘hands on’ experience of farming, with young and old alike able to learn more about where their food comes from.

Nigel Evans, executive director of the Cheshire Show, said: “This has been an outstanding year for the Cheshire County Show. We know it has been a success when we see so many smiling faces enjoying the event.

“We have been rewarded with wonderful weather and we have also been very proud this year to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, both of which have helped to attract our bumper crowds.

“Well done to everyone involved and a big ‘thank you’ to the crowds who have once again made the Cheshire County Show one of the biggest and best shows in the north west.”

To see more pictures click here.