The Suffolk County Show was held at Trinity Park Ipswich, its home permanent home since 1960, over two days. Organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association the show had something to offer for everyone while still maintaining the traditions of an agricultural show. Ten rings had two full days of livestock and equestrian competition where cattle, sheep, pigs, goats heavy and light horses could all be seen competing for trophies. Dealer stands had all the latest agricultural machinery and equipment on display from hand tools right up to state of the art drones, tractors and combines. The Potters Perpetual Challenge Cup for best agricultural stand was awarded to East Anglian machinery dealers Thurlow Nunn Standen who have their main base in Littleport Cambridgeshire and specialise in the Agco range. In a new venture for the show Claas teamed up with a range of local farmers, producers and agricultural students to demonstrate the various roles carried out by machinery on the farm. Local producers and students also gave talks about their produce, how they are grown and roles on the farm to the public. This proved a popular addition attracting crowds on both days. For those that had not had the chance to see the livestock in the show rings both days saw a grand parade of livestock and heavy horses in the Grand Ring where breed trophies were presented. The Suffolk Young Farmers had an area where families and children had the chance to meet animals, learn about food and get close to farm machinery. Highlights included meeting animals from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust & Easton Farm Park, the opportunity to operate a digger courtesy of Diggerland, cookery demonstrations and samples to taste from the Ladies in Pigs, a dairy cattle unit and activities with Denise and Heidi from Wild Play Ltd Bury St Edmunds.

The Grand Ring along with the Trinity Ring and Horse Country Ring played host to a number of demonstrations over the two days. These included the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, Red Devils parachute team, Shetland Pony Grand National, Scurry racing, Gundogs, Falconry, Heavy horse turnouts and Side Saddle demonstration (See separate article). The Grand Ring also hosted the two main show jumping competitions at the show. Wednesday saw the Suffolk Area Trial which was won by Paul Bevan riding Deangallo II while on Thursday the International Stairway was won by Phillip Millar riding Noble Warrior. The trophy for leading Suffolk rider went to Tim Davies from Bury St Edmunds. A number of zones were around the showground specialising in certain areas. There was the educational zone where Easton & Otley College students were on hand to demonstrate the practical courses available while proving very popular was the military zone where the public could meet members of the armed forces from around Suffolk. This included the Army Air Corps from Wattisham who had a fully operational Apache attack helicopter on display along with some of their ground equipment and representatives from the United States Air Force at RAF Lakenheath. The sports zone offered the opportunity to join in with exercise classes, try out sports, and meet players from Ipswich Town. Another new attraction for this year was the observation tower built by T.H. Moss and Sons where visitors could make their way up the steps and get a birds-eye view of the showground. Next to this was the Real Superheroes zone where the public could meet members of the emergency services and look around their vehicles.

The show also offers a large variety of trade stands providing all sorts from garden machinery to clothing to cars and the ever popular Adnams food court. Many of the main car manufacturers had representation from their Suffolk dealer networks while the Suffolk Land Rover Owners Club offered the opportunity to experience an off-road ride around their purpose built course. The trophy for best motor vehicle stand went to John Banks Suzuki from Bury St Edmunds. The Adnams food and drink court provided a showcase for a number of local producers including brewers, butchers, bakers and distillers. Despite the first day’s dull weather the show again proved a popular success with over 100,000 visitors through the gates over the two days. Next year’s show will take place on 27th&28th May, further information can be found by visiting www.suffolkshow.co.uk.

Show photos – https://www.facebook.com/pg/Snap-magcom-2061747147426100/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2423422691258542

Imps Motorcycle Display – https://www.facebook.com/pg/Snap-magcom-2061747147426100/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2423413764592768

Vehicles & Machinery – https://www.facebook.com/pg/Snap-magcom-2061747147426100/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2423403617927116

Gary Malkin