THE 71st annual Bury and District Agricultural Society Show ploughed a successful furrow as 5,500 visitors descended on Burrs Country Park.

Numbers were significantly up on last year and the good weather, allied to a bumper programme of attractions, proved a winning combination in bringing the crowds out on Sunday.

Society officials were delighted at the turnout and the high number of entries in various competitions, which included livestock classes, as well as other traditional displays and activities.

Show secretary Miss Becky Kershaw said: “Livestock was really well attended and we had to split the classes due to the number of entries. Light horses also proved popular with more than 40 entries in some classes. And we did really well with heavy horses, too.”

Sunday also the saw the resumption of the show’s poultry section which attracted around 40 birds. “We’ve restarted it after between 15 and 25 years,” added Miss Kershaw.

Arts and crafts again proved popular, although show organisers say they would like to see more support from local schools.

There was plenty of animal magic for visitors who were able to view cattle, horses, sheep, donkeys, gundogs and birds of prey, together with the annual dog show .

Other attractions included a tug-of-war for young farmers, a display featuring Bury Model Flying Club, and exhibits of classic tractors and vintage farm vehicles.

Miss Kershaw said: “We had 5,500 attending which was probably more than 1,000 on last year. I think this was down to the weather, as we had sunshine throughout, and the fact that the show continues to grow.

“There was something going on on every inch of the showground. People now know more about the show which has firmly embedded itself in the calendar of annual events in Bury.”

Bury Times:

Carol Paddon and her horse, Twyland Ruby

Bury Times:

Riding on a donkey is Evie Cosgrove, aged three