IT is a year to celebrate for Ellingham Show as it marks its 75th anniversary.

Over the last three years the event has been thwarted by bad weather and then the Covid-19 pandemic. But it makes it return on August 13 at Somerley Park.

Ellingham Show chairman Steve Thompson said: “With our last three shows cancelled – 2019 by wild weather, then two years of Lockdown - we’ve had a long wait.

“So it will be just great to be back in the beautiful grounds of Somerley Park (near Ringwood). We’ve worked really hard not just to make a comeback but to have a celebration, and hopefully one of our best shows since 1947.”

In addition to new acts in the main ring, there will be old favourites and a mix of shopping stands around the showground.

More attractions have been added for children and the boundary to the horse show rings has been to enable visitors to safely watch more of the horse events from the main show area.

If the weather is fine there will also be a fly-past by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The show also boasts a variety of food stands, bars and a mixture of music from three bands.

Steve added: “We’ll also be giving all our visitors the opportunity to thank all those who cared and looked out for us during these last three years. In the main ring we’re going to have a “Parade of Thanks” by key workers from all walks of life to represent those who kept working – and still are working - for us and our loved ones throughout the pandemic and beyond,” added Steve, who praised those who supported this year’s event.

“This show could not run without the support of the many individuals, businesses and organisations who have been supporting us behind the scenes, enabling us to bounce back this year. Our heartfelt thanks to them all. We hope everybody has a wonderful day.”

Ellingham Show is organised and run by the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society and is staffed entirely by volunteers .

After its last show, the society donated more than £30,000 to the charities.

It also runs a bursary scheme, named in honour of a long-standing supporter of the show, Elaine Micklewright, to sponsor a student who wishes to pursue an agricultural qualification.

Tickets for the show are available on the day or online by visiting: ellinghamshow.co.uk. The entrances will open at 9am and the day’s events will finish at 5.30pm.

 

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