With an ominous forecast predicting 100% heavy downpours, Tenbury Show was in danger of being a very damp affair!
Miraculously, it would seem that nothing was going to get in the way of our much loved annual countryside show!
Somehow, against all the odds and all the rain, Tenbury Show 2023 proved to be a particularly memorable day and for all the right reasons.
Put simply, our wonderful community RALLIED! Competitors, stewards, judges, entertainers, volunteers and thousands of visitors all pitched up!
Covered from head to toe in waterproofs, tiny tots, teenagers and adults (and let’s not forget the animals) all braved the rain creating a magical community atmosphere.
On arrival, mesmerising clog dancers, tapped energetically to cheerful tunes whilst small children on small ponies wore big smiles and showed great determination to shine as the heavens opened.
Kagool clad spectators laughed out loud at the hilarious performing sheep show and in the main ring, Jamie Squibb, the sensational freestyle stunt man, took to the skies to throw a series of impressive shapes and stunts, much to the delight and gasps of the stoical crowd.
Elsewhere, families flocked to the popular Countryside ring for fun and education, and nearby, a thrilling Young Farmer’s National Tug of War final kept the crowds cheering during some particularly heavy showers; digging their heels in as if their lives were at stake!
Many reported this was the first year they had gone round the entire show – partly because they wanted to keep moving to stay warm – and partly because so much of the show is undercover. Visitors simply dashed from marquee to marquee dodging showers, whilst taking in all that this fabulous show has to offer.
Late afternoon loyal visitors were rewarded with a couple of hours of unexpected sunshine and warmth, just in time for the children’s’ running races which pulled a record-breaking number of competitors!
“We’ve been coming for years: said Rachel Walker, a local nurse from Tenbury, “And all this time we had no idea there was so much to see and do. The rain kept us on the move and I can honestly say this was our best ever Show!” Rachel is not alone in reporting her best year so far -Tenbury Show’s Facebook page was flooded with heartfelt congratulatory comments from appreciative visitors.
“It’s so rewarding to see families enjoying the show” commented David Rawlings, Show Chairman, “This entire event is driven by an army of volunteers who give tirelessly of their time in the weeks building up to the show and beyond and to see people turning up in torrential rain is so heartwarming.”
“We strive to put on an affordable, fun day out for our local community. To see people turning up in their thousands was absolutely fantastic and so validating,” added Anthony Bunn our 2023 President.
Three cheers and a huge thank you to all who took part.