Aylsham Show 2023 brings bank holiday crowds to Blickling

Organisers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the landmark bank holiday Monday event.

It started in 1946 as a gymkhana and fete on Aylsham Recreation Ground and has been held every year since except three - during the Covid and Foot and Mouth epidemics.

Livestock competitions at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris Hill)

Although that humble post-war event only attracted 558 visitors, it has sown the seeds for what has now become the country's biggest one-day agricultural and countryside show.

Alongside the time-honoured displays of farm animals and Norfolk food stands, there was also plenty of family fun including dog agility, a circus and a Main Ring programme featuring the Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, the high-octane Motostunts International stunt show and the traditional parade of livestock champions.

Motostunts International stunt show at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

And it culminated in the 75th Aylsham Show Pageant, highlighting the dramatic agricultural changes that have taken place over these years -  but also celebrating the £1m which the show has raised for local charities during that time.

This year's show president was Roger Long, a cattle farmer based in Scarning, near Dereham, who also spent two decades as the show's head cattle steward.

"It is fantastic, especially when we get a day like today and the showground looking as it does," he said.

Genna Witham, from Erpingham, and Steph Leithall, from Sharrington, with Norfolk Horn rams at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

"I am so proud to be part of it. 

"It is just such a wonderful day out for so many people to come and see rural businesses and rural crafts - it has always kept its roots. 

"Look at all the people around the livestock rings, so many of them are not connected to agriculture but they like to come and see and learn.

Show president Roger Long at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris Hill)

"It is a massive day out for so many people and the cattle, sheep and goats play a large part of it."

Mr Long also hailed the million-pound milestone for the show's charitable donations, adding: "In the main it has all gone to local charities, we are supporting local people, and it gives you a really good feeling to be able to do that."

Crowds at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris Hill)

Show jumping at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Livestock competitions at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Circus performers at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Children's fancy dress competition at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

The main ring at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Motostunts International stunt show at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Sheep at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Vintage tractors at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Dog agility at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)

Livestock competitions at the 2023 Aylsham Show (Image: Chris HIll)