Crowds flock to Hayfield Country Show & Sheep Dog Trials

Despite heavy rain, Hayfield Country Show & Sheep Dog Trials had a record number of entries taking part.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Sep 2018, 11:20 BST
Updated 17th Sep 2018, 12:22 BST
Hayfield Country Show, pictured are James and Sarah Ellson with nieces Lottie Ellson, nine and Mabel Ellson, sixHayfield Country Show, pictured are James and Sarah Ellson with nieces Lottie Ellson, nine and Mabel Ellson, six
Hayfield Country Show, pictured are James and Sarah Ellson with nieces Lottie Ellson, nine and Mabel Ellson, six

The two-day event at Spray House Farm still pulled in the crowds who enjoyed the pet tent, watching the sheep dogs and special performances from the Cavalry of Heroes who put on a show to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Chairman Paul Bagshaw said: “I live for Hayfield Show and love how it has grown over the years.

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“It was a bit of a washout on Sunday, which had a knock-on effect on attendance, and as the day progressed sadly we had to cancel some events over safety concerns which was really disappointing, but farmers come out whatever the weather and the traditional sheep dog trials still went ahead. Over the weekend we had a record number of entries, so that was great.”

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Hayfield Country Show, pictured is Hope Walsh, eightHayfield Country Show, pictured is Hope Walsh, eight
Hayfield Country Show, pictured is Hope Walsh, eight

The pet tent and the food hall both proved to be family favourites as people got up close and personal with giant tortoises and lots of snakes too before picking up a tasty treat of cheese, beers and handmade pies.

Paul said: “I love that people are never bored with the pet tent and come year on year to see what weird and wonderful creatures we have inside.

“Having the food hall is another great pull as it gives people a change from the normal supermarket food they pick up, and reinforces the traditional market street feel from years gone by.”

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One of the highlights of the weekend was the show, Cavalry of Heroes. Normally the horses and riders perform a jousting show, but this year to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War they changed it to honour those who made the greatest sacrifice.

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Hayfield Country Show, pictured is Jack Wright, sixHayfield Country Show, pictured is Jack Wright, six
Hayfield Country Show, pictured is Jack Wright, six

Paul said: “They cost a lot of money to get but they are such a big attraction for all ages. It really is worth having them every year and it was nice they did a special performance for the centenary.”
Paul, who has been a member of the committee for more than 25 years, said he owed everything to his wife Lynne and the wonderful volunteers who turn up every year to help.

He added: “It takes us about 14 days to set up, then another four to bring everything down, and that’s not counting the helpers we need on the day, so thank-you to them and thank-you to everyone for attending.”