The Nantwich Show has been hailed an outstanding success after delivering a spectacular showcase of rural life in South Cheshire.
The show, held for the second year at Reaseheath Old Hall, part of Reaseheath College’s estate, attracted 8,000 visitors and over 250 trade stands including 46 agricultural stands. An army of over 200 volunteers worked together to ensure the smooth running of the event, and even the weather delivered sunshine for much of the day in what has been a markedly wet July.
Over 600 competition entries flooded in for categories including shire horses, cattle, sheep, vintage tractors, pigeons, eggs, home produce, crafts and floral arts. Specialist judges included the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Alexis Redmond, who presented the Supreme Champion Trade Stand to Chelford Farm Supplies and a Long Service award to Johnathan Howell from Nantwich dairy farmers JH Blackburn & Son.
Main ring attractions included an appearance from The Red Barrows – a team of nine with red wheelbarrows who entertained a packed audience in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. Other attractions included The Scots Guards Marching Band, a musical ride by members of the East Cheshire branch of The Pony Club, a popular mounted fancy dress competition and a special visit from the Bishops of Chester and Stockport for a unique “Bishops’ Tractor Challenge”.
A Fun Dog Show attracted many fine family pets to the Countryside Pursuits arena, which was also the location for demonstrations of traditional crafts and pastimes such as weaving, chair making, wood carving and fly fishing.
Over 250 local and regional businesses took the opportunity to promote their products or services, and there were shopping opportunities for everyone from jewellery, clothes and dog treats to new tractors, combined harvesters and animal feed.
Main sponsors included Reaseheath College, HJ Lea Oakes, Mornflake, Great British Cheese Company, Applewood Independent, Whitegates Estate Agents, SugaRich, Lely, Livestock Supplies, Sandstone Vets and the Go-Too Bus. Nantwich Town Council supported the event with a grant and over 5,000 volunteer hours went into its organisation.
Nantwich Show Chairman Michael-John Parkin said: “We were delighted with the success of the 2023 show. Of course we would have preferred a full day of sunshine, but visitors certainly monitored the forecast and arrived early. I would like to thank all our sponsors, traders and volunteers, all of whom played a part in bringing this event to life”.
Reaseheath’s Principal and CEO Marcus Clinton enthused: “We are proud to be the new home of the Nantwich Show and delighted it has continued to build on the success of last year. The show has long been a key event in our community’s calendar and delivers not just a full day of family enjoyment but also a wonderful showcase of rural and agricultural life in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”
The Nantwich Show has been running for over 125 years and always takes place on the last Wednesday of July, which next year will be 31 July 2024. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, sponsor or trader, email info@nantwichshow.org or visit www.nantwichshow.org
