126th Lincolnshire Show 2010
by Baron Halpenny, LincsMag Editor-in-Chief.
Date: 26 June 2010
Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June, were two important days in the Lincolnshire calendar this year as they were set-aside for the Lincolnshire Show 2010.
The 126th Lincolnshire Show shaped up to be another record breaker as it was claimed that over 68,000 people turned up for the event, beating the earlier record of 65,000 people.
Indeed the omens looked good for a record turnout as advance ticket sales were already up 26 per cent on last year.
The Entertainment Square had some street theatre, an interesting act being the one-man show, which was highly entertaining as he showed humour as well as skill.
Those with an interest in the fine edible delights of the county of Lincolnshire were able to visit the Select Lincolnshire and Tastes of Lincolnshire Food Court that were offering a selection of local produce and some homemade recipe demonstrations throughout the two-day event from local chef, Rachel Green.
And if you were in need to help shed those few extra pounds that you may well have acquired at the food court, then the sports zone was the place to head off to next.
A wide variety of activities were on offer from virtual canoeing and rowing competitions through to a cricket factory where you could practice your bowling and batting.
Football fans were on Wednesday able to follow the England vs Slovenia World Cup game on a couple of screens, one being on the Lincs FM stage.
There was a parade of the best of the county’s livestock in the main ring as well as a vintage to modern day agricultural machinery display. At the Show were all the latest trends in farming and agriculture from the top breeds to top machines on show.
The livestock and equine entries were up from last year with a total of nearly 1800 horses and ponies being entered along with 1300 cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.
The Show was also aiming at featuring the biggest array of events for the whole family.
Lincolnshire Sports Partnership’s showcase of clubs and organisations from around the county certainly had something to offer everyone, whether they were young or old as activities were offered for "anyone of any ability or any age" to take part in.
There were over 600 trade stands selling everything from frying pans to fashion and the Cats Protection charity even brought along their own very large, but friendly cat, and you know, there wasn’t a mouse to be seen.
You also found yourself taking a step back into time as the Knights of Skirbeck re-enactment group had built a 14th century medieval tent village. Children (and some adults) were allowed to hold the armour and feel the weight of the swords and helmets.
Continuing this theme the Countryside Ring had around midday the Knights of the Damned performing medieval jousting matches and spectacular stunts on horseback, which were headed by TV and film stuntman, Justin Pearson, who having in his career, worked on such films as Harry Potter and Star Wars.
The fine sunny weather, especially on the Wednesday also brought out the sunglasses and hats as well as many an attractive dress and skirt and beautiful lady to go with them.
The equine rings were a strong focal point for all the equestrian minded and the hours could easily slip by as you became engrossed in the displays, riding and competitions.
The highlight at the Show for many (including myself ... I also loved the dogs as well) were the horses and some impressive young talented riders that I’m sure are going to impress in future events.
For the first time in the Show’s history, Wednesday had a concert to entertain through into the evening as the tribute band The Kommitments appeared on the Lincs FM stage recreating music such as Mustang Sally and Hard to Handle.
10,000 square metres of marquees, 20 miles of electric cable, 800 tables, 3,000 chairs, 12,000 loo rolls and 45,000 copies of the 68 page programme are just a few of the interesting statistics that are involved in helping to have created this years Lincolnshire Show on the 200 acre showground. And it all starts again next year.
