Jubilee weekend saw triumphant return of County Show
09 Jun 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Following two years on hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend saw the triumphant return of the Northumberland County Show.
A highlight of the county’s agricultural and social calendar, the County Show, which is organised by the Tynedale Agricultural Society, is attended by visitors in their thousands each year – and this year’s event was no exception.
Locals and tourists alike flocked to the grounds of Bywell Hall to enjoy the variety of activities and entertainment on offer and sample the wide selection food and drink stalls serving local produce.
Highlights of the day included the vintage tractor parade and the traditional Tug of War, while County Show staples like the annual sheep show and heavy horse display also played their part in delighting the crowds.
Northumberland County Council was well represented at the event. The climate change team were present alongside Forestry England, who enthusiastically handed out free tree saplings to landowners, farmers and families. The climate team brought along their electric van and sample electric vehicle chargepoints to demonstrate the work they are doing to increase the county’s green transport infrastructure.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue attended with their Hexham fire appliance and crew who talked to visitors about how to keep their homes safe and the importance of smoke alarms. Youngsters enjoyed a look around the fire engine and learning about the dangers of fire.
In a nod to the competition launched in 2016 by the Natural Environment Research Council which famously saw an arctic exploration submarine dubbed “Boaty McBoatface” by popular public demand, the County Council’s local services team were taking ideas from showgoers to name its new fleet of gully tankers. The winning suggestions will be announced in the coming weeks before being put onto the sides of each tanker. The Council’s tourism team was also in attendance.
Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives at Northumberland County Council, commented: “It was wonderful to see the return of the Northumberland County Show over the weekend.
“We have much to be proud of in Northumberland - from our historic coastlines to our agricultural prowess, events like the County Show provide the perfect platform for residents and visitors alike to come together to celebrate what’s great about our county and ensure that our heritage and time-honoured traditions are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
*Pictures courtesy of Neil Denham Photography*