Summer sun draws bumper crowd to Newport Show
The continuing heatwave helped Newport Show draw a bumper crowd after families flocked to the annual one-day event for a day of fun, food and music.
The 109th show, held at the Chetwynd Deer Park on Saturday (July 14), attracted thousands of people on a sun-kissed day.
Highlights of the day included two jaw dropping displays by the team of JCB Dancing Diggers, live demonstrations by Great British Bake Off runner up Steven Carter-Bailey and a flypast from an RAF Hurricane to the delight of the crowds.
There was tough competition among the 140 plus livestock classes attracting entries from across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and the wider Midlands.
The Barringtons Supreme Interbreed Beef Champion trophy went to Midnight Melody, owned by the Hughes family from Newtown in Mid Wales.
Cheshire owner Edward Seaton scooped the Tern Veterinary Group Inter Breed dairy Champion crown with Styche Hero Stellar, whilst John Pryce, from Powys, walked away with the Lambert, Leonard & May Interbreed Sheep Champion for his Suffolk ewe lamb.
Martin Fountain’s home-bred mare Woodhouse Miss Dynamite repeated her success of last year to take the crown for best Shire Horse – and now goes forward to the Shire Horse of the Year Championship at the Horse of the Year show, a title it also won last year.
The Derbyshire-based horse also scooped the supreme champion title at Newport.
Meanwhile, the Working Hunter Champion honours went to Staffordshire-based Louise Barrett’s Sullivans Angelina.
Champion Newfoundland dog Sandbears Hawaiian Hot Stuff to Sheenmarie is heading to Crufts after claiming the best in show crown for owner Mrs SM Pallett, as is best puppy Jacalons MockinJay for Siberiadrift, a Siberian Husky owned by Mrs K Hughes.
Best veteran dog was Mrs C Mutlow’s Weimaraner Risinglark Hawk Wing ShCM.
Show President Tony Asson said: “The glorious weather was the icing on the cake for the day. We made sure that there was plenty of access to water for all the livestock, horses and dogs who were showing and installed water points for people to fill up their own reusable bottles.
“The agricultural classes continue to be a popular aspect of the show but in recent years, as many people come for the other aspects of the show like the Festival of Food, the main ring entertainment, the live music and all the other fun.
“It’s just a great day out for everyone and we’re really proud of how the show has developed. We’d love to hear people’s feedback and are already planning how we can make it even better next year!”
Tony also praised the staff and volunteers who made the show happen, adding: “There is only a small show team and a dedicated band of volunteers who work hard all year round to plan and deliver the show.
“An army of more than 200 volunteer stewards help the show run smoothly on the day. They all deserve a huge vote of thanks for making the 2018 show such a success.”
The 2019 show will take place on Saturday, July 13. To keep up to date with show news, like the Newport Show Facebook page or follow it on Twitter @NewportShow for updates throughout the year.