THIS year’s Launceston Agricultural Show, held on Thursday, July 28, may have started off in drizzly conditions but, just like the sun, everyone involved helped push through the rain and make the show a shining success.

With a wonderful array of trade stands promoting local businesses visitors were treated to some great exhibits of animals and crafts at this yearly traditional show.

Although numbers were down, a large number of visitors were still seen flooding in to this year’s show.

Previously poor weather had delayed harvest, giving those who would usually only be able to visit the show for a short time the chance to make the most of this excellent agricultural event.

The Post caught up with this year’s president and the chairman of Launceston Agricultural Show as they were whizzing around on a golf cart, provided by Trethorne Leisure Park, meeting visitors and trade stands.

When asked how the day was going the chairman, Robert Tucker, told the Post: “It has been superb, there are a lot of people coming in today. The recent bad weather has delayed harvest, which means a lot are likely to come here instead.

“There are some fantastic trade stands for visitors to look at and despite the weather the ground has stayed firm underfoot.

“As the day goes on it has been forecast for improving weather conditions, which should bring out a lot more visitors.”

The president, Sam Colwill, who was seen taking part in the show’s speed sheep shearing competition later in the day, said: “It’s been great, we have been going around this morning meeting people on the trade stands.

“It is great to see that sheep and horse numbers are up, even despite the recent problems with TB.

“It has also been great to have the speed sheep sheering competition with international entrants coming from all over the world to follow on from Matt Smith’s recent record. Overall we hope to have a great day.”

The secretary of Launceston Show also had a busy day overseeing a long programme of events and collecting in the results as there was a fantastic number of entries this year.

The day passed with a mixture of sunshine and showers and this did not deter the crowds.

When asked how she thought the show had gone the show secretary, Naomi Hutchings, said: “The 2016 Launceston Show was an assault on the senses. From my secretaries tent I could see the livestock rings which had entries of over 100 cattle and over 400 sheep; the main ring which showcased some stunning horses including the new side saddle classes and the crowd pleasing Grand Parades of Livestock.

“I could hear children’s laughter from watching Magic Martin and the hubbub of the community meeting friends and family. I could smell the aroma of freshly cooked food mixed with the ambience of country life.

“The taste of ice cream, cheeses, cakes, bakes and drinks from the Cornwall and Devon Food Marquee was enough to satisfy any palette and the trade stands and Arts, Crafts and Small Businesses marquee had products to suit every pocket.

“The Creative Community Marquee back for its second year had over 900 entries and highlighted the exceptional talent of the Launceston community.

“It was great to see people still on the show field later in the day watching the International Speed Shearing Competition following Matt Smiths record breaking shearing event two days previously and main ring entertainment.”

Overall the show was well received by those who attended. Attendance numbers were estimated to be slightly down on last year at 6,000. However, considering the weather, the committee has expressed how pleased they are that so many made the effort to come out and support this year’s show.