Weather Does Not Deter Lincolnshire Show Goers

© Prima PR and Marketing

Regardless of the weather, over 60,000 visitors attended both days of the 128th Lincolnshire Show.

The first day of the show saw a six percent increase in visitors on last year, credited to the warm weather on Wednesday, and spirits were not dampened by the rain on Thursday.

Organisers reported a five percent increase on trade stand bookings from 2011 and the number of visitors from across the UK entering livestock and equine competitions also increased.

It is estimated by show organisers that for every £1 spent at the show, a further £20 has been generated in the local economy.

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the area experienced heightened demand for overnight stays from an extra 18,400 visitors. For many businesses in Lincolnshire, the show provides an opportunity to showcase local produce and services. Showground Director Jayne Southall said:

"We’ve had a fantastic show and it’s been wonderful to see everything come together.

"We had a big boost to visitor numbers with the wonderful sunshine on day one. 

"Although numbers were down on Thursday, the showers seemed to do little to dampen enthusiasm and we had a steady flow of visitors arriving throughout the morning. 

"The show has proved itself, once again, as a major visitor attraction which helps to bring Lincolnshire’s wider visitor and tourism story to a national audience."

© Malcolm Leaning

Edward Leigh MP, who represents the Gainsborough Constituency, within which the Lincolnshire Showground is located, visited the West Lindsey District Council tent and  met with local councillors and joined in with the keep fit dancers from the West Lindsey Leisure Centre, Gainsborough.

Lincolnshire Show Is Success As Sun Shines On County

The 126th Lincolnshire Show has attracted a record breaking attendance of sixty-eith thousand people who have basked in the sunshine at this year's event. Organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, the annual tradition, which dates back seven hundred years, is said to be responsible for bringing £12 million into the local economy.

A consultation is under way that could result in the show being moved to coincide with the weekend from 2012. This will enable more families to visit without taking time off from work or school.

Mr. Charles Hood, Show Director for the sixth and final year, said he felt he was bowing out in a blaze of glory. He said, as well as the many attractions pulling in the crowds such as live entertainment and sporting activities for youngsters, it was events such as the Grand Parade displaying the best of the county's livestock that cement the tradition of the show.

Visitors to the West Lindsey District Council's marquee were able to see what services the council provides, ask questions, seek advice and enter a few competitions.
Chairman of West Lindsey Cllr Owen Bierley, Conservative (Yarborough Ward) said:

"The show is a good showcase for West Lindsey. We have had a lot of good interaction with members of the public.

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped make the show a big success."

Cllr. Alf Frith, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward) and his wife Margaret said they thoroughly enjoy the annual event. He said:

"It is great seeing people face to face, to talk directly about any issues they may have."

EXCLUSIVE: Lincolnshire's Conservatives Welcome Rt. Hon. Sir John Major

Right: (Left to Right) Mr. David Surtees, Sir John Major, Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward), and Mr. Peter McNeill.

Over four hundred Conservatives from across Lincolnshire came together last night to welcome the Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH, Conservative Prime Minister between 1990 and 1997, to a gala dinner at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Show Ground, North Carlton, to raise funds for the coming General Election later this year.

Left: Local Conservatives gather prior to dinner at the Epic Centre.

The evening was preceded by an exclusive cocktail reception hosted by Mr. Hugh Bourn, President of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, followed by Pre-Dinner Drinks, of Buck's Fizz or Orange Juice, as the hundreds of Conservatives from Boston & Skegness, Brigg & Goole, Cleethorpes, Gainsborough, Grantham & Stamford, Great Grimsby, Lincoln, Scunthorpe, Sleaford & North Hykeham and South Holland & The Deepings constituencies.  Guests enjoyed a menu of Roast Plum Tomato Soup with Basil Herb Dumplings, Roast Rack of Pork followed by Crème Brulée and Coffee.

Right: Sir John addressing local Conservatives.

Sir John addressed the assembled throng and gave and excellent speech encouraging activists to always remember that it is too easy to talk of small government, low taxes, social responsibilityand loose ourselves to abstracts, that we must always ask 'how does what I do help ordinary people?' Sir John also answered questions from the floor. 

A raffle and silent auction was held which raised many thousands of pounds for local Conservative campaign funds.