Hadleigh Show sets new attendance record in 184th year

A record-breaking crowd enjoyed the sights, sounds and shows of a historic countryside show at the weekend.

Hadleigh Show – now in its 184th year – welcomed more than 15,000 visitors to Holbecks Park on Saturday, as it showcased a vast array of exhibits, competitions and trade stands.

Organised by the Hadleigh Farmers’ Agricultural Association (HFAA), the event featured dog shows, livestock contests, showjumping, lawnmower racing, tug of war, machinery displays and youth sports among the attractions.

There was also a performance by the Shetland Pony Grand National Team, as well as the return of the popular Cookery Theatre, featuring culinary demonstrations from local chefs and business owners.

It was the second year in a row that the spectacle had broke its attendance record, having missed the previous two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tory Lugsden, HFAA secretary, told Suffolk News: “It was amazing. We had the most brilliant day.

“The weather was perfect, the crowd was perfect and there were happy faces everywhere.

“We had great ring displays, great exhibitors and great numbers.

“It’s a new record for us. Last year, we had our biggest show ever, and we thought, was this just a post-Covid bounce back, and would it return to the numbers pre-Covid? But this year, we’re up again.

“It’s lovely to know that people want to come along and see what we’re doing at the Hadleigh Show. There was just a great family feel to the whole event.”