The August Bank Holiday weekend saw the return of the annual Swallowfield Show and its well-known assortment of fun and games for all the family.

Around 10,000 revellers from across the village and beyond flocked to Whitehouse Farm in Spencers Wood on Sunday and Monday for two days of displays, musical entertainment, exhibitions, shows and fairground attractions.

The show, which celebrated its 126th anniversary this year, is an event organised by members and friends of the Swallowfield Horticultural Society.

And those who braved a mixed bag of sunshine and showers enjoyed a “very successful” event, according to show chairman Roberta Stuart.

Among the attractions held in the main arena included performances from the Stallions of Substance, whose show involves a variety of comedy and stunts involving horses and a motorbike, and the Rockwood Dog Display.

Live music came in the form of the New Tones Big Band on Sunday, while Johnny Gunner and his Rock ‘n’ Roll Band took to the stage on Monday.

Visitors lapped up the fun  in the entertainments marquee, where mini car racing was held, while some of the younger guests were being taught circus skills by Tinker Taylor.

Before entering the main marquee, which also hosted a number of competitive exhibitions, visitors stopped to admire the Swallowfield Show Garden, which was created by the Spencers Wood Allotment Gardeners (SWAG).

According to Mrs Stuart the event is about bringing Swallowfield and its wider communities together for the weekend.

She said: “It was a very successful event, we had two wonderful days and everything ran to order.

“It was a very peaceful show, although the marquees were packed with cheerful people at times because of the weather.

“We had a huge marquee full of exhibitions and we had other marquees for entertainment.

“It was very busy and went very smoothly, with people coming through the gates and enjoying themselves very much.”

Other attractions at the event included the hugely popular horse show, which was said to have been “bigger and better” this year, with new classes added to provide fun for the less experienced riders.

Away from the competitions visitors enjoyed Pelhams Fairground, a Punch and Judy show and various stalls, which included a stand held by local beekeepers selling pots of honey.

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