Haverhill Show organisers praise community support after success of rescheduled event

Haverhill’s community spirit shone through at the Haverhill Show – Take 2, when it was held on Saturday.

The show was originally scheduled for July 6 but had to be postponed due to storm warnings.

Saturday’s event at the Recreation Ground began at 7am with a lively car boot sale before the main event opened at 10am.

Visitors enjoyed live music, arena entertainment, stalls, attractions, activities, rides and displays, with the Dog Show making its return this year and proving a popular highlight.

Although organisers noted the crowd was a little quieter than in 2024, the event still drew a healthy turnout and raised £2,000, which will now be distributed among local charities and good causes.

Applications are open until Sunday, September 21 for a share of the funds raised.

Chair of the show, Joe Mason, said: “After the disappointment of postponing in July, seeing everyone back on the Rec — with the rain staying away — was a brilliant reminder of what this town can do together.

“Community days like this are so important, not only for supporting local charities, but also for bringing Haverhill residents together for a fun family day out.”

Kelly Bennett, treasurer and event manager, said: “We realised that holding the show on a Saturday could possibly have an effect on attendance and our fund-raising total but we’re so grateful to the traders, performers, sponsors, and volunteers who committed to Take 2 along with those who joined us for the first time and made it such a success.

“It was such a pleasure to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves, it really does make all the hard work worthwhile.”

The organisers also extended their thanks to Culina, the main event sponsor, as well as Adams Harrison Solicitors, Key Education Services, The Pottery Shed, Thurlow Garage, Machine Part Engineering, Peasgood & Skeates, and Haverhill Town Council, which provided both a grant and technical support.

Thanks also went to Cllr David Roach for helping secure locality funding from Suffolk County Council.

On a personal note, Joe added: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who donned the orange hi-vis jacket, worked in the Refreshment Tent or provided technical support behind the Band Stand to keep the day running smoothly.

“I am very fortunate to have such a fantastic committee who spent a year planning the event only to have it cancelled in July and then 'set to it' again for the end of August, it really was a team effort.

“In particular, I must thank Kelly for her dedication as both treasurer and event manager and being integral to pulling together the event."

Local groups wishing to apply for a share of the funds raised should submit their applications by emailing haverhillshow@outlook.com before midnight Sunday 21 September with details of how they would use a grant.

The Haverhill Show Committee are now looking forward to holding their last Haverhill Car Boot Sale on the Recreation Ground on Sunday, September 14.