Crowds flocked to Watton for the annual Wayland Show - but its retiring president says this historic event's future is under threat unless more volunteers step forward.

For more than 150 years, it has celebrated Norfolk's farming heritage and showcased rural pursuits, as one of the oldest one-day agricultural shows in the country.

Eastern Daily Press: Livestock competitions at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonLivestock competitions at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

Families attending this year's event saw more than 350 sheep, pigs and goats in the time-honoured livestock competitions, as well as gun dog displays, vintage tractors, horticulture and food stands.

But there was also fun entertainment in the form of fairground rides, dog shows, falconry displays, motorbike stunts and the popular Shetland Derby.

Eastern Daily Press:  William Ketteringham, 2, from Ashill, on a vintage tractor at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton William Ketteringham, 2, from Ashill, on a vintage tractor at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

Kevin Bowes was overseeing his final show after more than 25 years as president of the Wayland Agricultural Society.

He said it was "very fortunate" that Sunday's event went ahead, after the previous day's rain risked turning the showground off Brandon Road into a quagmire.

But, with a growing number of vacancies on the volunteer-run committee, his greater concern is for the show's long-term future.

Eastern Daily Press: Wayland Show chairman Mike Gouldstone (left) and president Kevin Bowes at the 2023 event in WattonWayland Show chairman Mike Gouldstone (left) and president Kevin Bowes at the 2023 event in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

He said: "We are desperate for people to work on the committee and there is a big question mark of will this be the last Wayland Show?

"I have been fortunate in those 25 years to have some tremendous committee members working hard, but I hope there is still the enthusiasm we need to keep it going, because that is what it needs.

"We need people with fresh ideas. The show is part of this area's heritage at the end of the day, and it should continue."

Eastern Daily Press: The Shetland Derby at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonThe Shetland Derby at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

Show chairman Mike Gouldstone said the event has always maintained an important role in educating the public about the life and work of the countryside.

"People coming in today generally have very little interface with livestock, so this is an opportunity to see the livestock, understand a little bit about how it is managed, and how it enters the food chain," he said.

Eastern Daily Press: Livestock competitions at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonLivestock competitions at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

"People have the opportunity to see country folk at work, and there is a little bit of fun and enjoyment in other aspects. And, if we are lucky, we make a few bob which goes back to the local community."

He added that, as well as new committee members, volunteers were needed who could commit time in the week building up to show day, and a few days after it.

For more details on volunteering, contact secretary@waylandshow.com.

Eastern Daily Press: Belle Swain of Fens Falconry with Hurricane the Harris hawk at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonBelle Swain of Fens Falconry with Hurricane the Harris hawk at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

Eastern Daily Press: Dangerous Steve performing at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonDangerous Steve performing at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

Eastern Daily Press: Livestock competitions at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonLivestock competitions at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)

Eastern Daily Press: Crowds at the 2023 Wayland Show in WattonCrowds at the 2023 Wayland Show in Watton (Image: Chris Hill)