June 24, 2011 11.09 am This story is over 153 months old

Rain did not dampen Lincolnshire Show

Record crowds: Throughout rain and cloud, the Lincolnshire Show 2011 still managed to attract 68,000 visitors.

Throughout rain and cloud, the Lincolnshire Show 2011 still managed to attract 68,000 visitors, matching last year’s record figures.

This year the event received a lot of attention on social media, with their Twitter feed recording 2.56 million visits from 286,000 users.

There were over 1,000 tweets made during the two days, which helped raise visitor interest before and during the show.

The Lincolnshire Show is not just a two-day showcase for the county; it’s a big revenue booster, generating £20 for the local economy for every £1 spent.

It’s also big business for the trade exhibitors and local companies who connect with customers during the relaxed social atmosphere of the two-day event.

Alongside old favourites like pig racing and the big agricultural machinery displays, new attractions for this year included horseback falconry, Express Eventing and the Scruffts crossbreed dog competition, which helped to drive new interest. Organisers also reported livestock entries and trade stand bookings well up on last year.

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of the Show, said: “Everyone loves to see the livestock and the big agricultural machinery and alongside that we had even more attractions with families and young people in mind for this year.

“Extending into the evening with activities such as concerts went well and we’ll definitely be looking to build on that next year. The new areas like the Kennel Club dog ring and the Express Eventing series qualifier both helped to boost interest and attract new visitors.

“We’re very happy overall, we had a very good crowd, excellent trade bookings and attendance looks to be in line with last year’s figure.”

Nearly 1,800 horses and ponies were on show throughout the two days in the equine ring, and local rider Malcolm Wright claimed his second win in the Express Eventing 2011 series, in a thrilling finish which went right to the final fence in the showjumping.

Richard Collett, Show Director, said “Fortunately the land here drains quickly and easily so the rain doesn’t cause any real problem. Whatever the weather, there’s so much on offer with the hundreds of trade stands and shops, and exciting programmes in all the rings

“Everyone has enjoyed the show, despite the odd shower. It’s gone very well and I’m very pleased.”

Source: Lincolnshire Show