The 184th Stanhope Show got underway in a rain shower with all roads in Weardale leading to Unthank Park.
Families bringing the exhibits they had been toiling away on for the weeks leading up to the show- baked, knitted, painted, grown, photographed and so much more: hundreds of exhibits all carefully displayed in the big shed.
Meanwhile, farmers were up, as usual, at the crack of dawn, bringing their prized animals to compete with others for the prestige of a rosette and best in show accolade.
Photography: Lewis Langstaff-Wood
As the judging in some of the equine classes was taking place on the field along with some of the showjumping, back in the town, the crowds were gathering, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Stanhope Silver Band.
For more than 100 years, the band has marched up the Main Street and round to Cowgarth Hill, past the Grey Bull and down towards the stepping stones. Like the pied piper, the band is followed by the crowd of people who have joined them along the way.
Those already on the show ground do not miss out as, safely across the river, their instruments too, they triumphantly march on and through the Queen Elizabeth Platinum gate to great applause.
On the showfield, it’s a hive of activity with something for everyone. The fur and feather marquee, Little Paws Ferrets display, falconry displays, Mark Lawson Highland Games and so much more.
As the crowds wound their way around the field, browsing the stalls and meeting folk they hadn’t seen since last year, the sun came out and all was well. The fairground was popular on the field too.
Local MP, Dr Sam Rushworth, was there too alongside other political stalls. The hot food vans did a roaring trade as did the bar!
There were escaping sheep to amuse the crowds as well as other entertainment in the main ring!
Inside the craft and shopping marquees, it was very busy too with visitors browsing the scores of stalls. There were escaping equine classes and British Showjumping classes continued throughout the day.
The Weardale Young Farmers were out in force again at their third show of the season.
And towards the end of a busy day came the Open Sulky Racing with punters chancing their luck on the heats and final.
Despite the wet start, it had been another wonderful effort by the Show Committee who work hard all year to bring a weekend of entertainment to the people.
And the show continues today with an even bigger, packed schedule that includes: Dales Ponies, Clydesdales, dog agility, vintage vehicles and tractors, gun dogs, Llama walks, horse and pony driving, Little Nippers Terrier Roadshow, Horticultural tent, Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band, Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling and so much more. Gates open at 9am. Go along and support your local show…
