Thousands of people enjoyed a family fun day out at the annual Swallowfield Show.

The show, now in its 128th year, featured a horse show, Morris dancing, mini car racing, horticultural competitions, live music, train and pony rides and a circus school.

Councillor Bob Wyatt, mayor of Wokingham borough, who officially opened the show, said: “It has been absolutely fantastic – I had no idea it was such a big event.

“I feel rather guilty that in all my years on the council this is the first time I have ever been to the Swallowfield Show, but it has got to be the best show in the borough.”

He added: “I think events like these are what keep the local population together. What would people otherwise be doing?

“They would be going outside of the Wokingham area for their entertainment – now all their activity takes place within the borough close to their home, it is easy to get to and they can enjoy themselves here for two days for virtually nothing.”

The show at Whitehouse Farm in Spencers Wood is organised by Swallowfield Horticultural Society.

Roberta Stewart, society chairwoman, said: “It’s a relief the weather has turned us up a good day.

“At the beginning of the month we thought we were going to have to cancel because we wouldn’t be able to park people.

“Because the weather has been strange there is a dramatic drop in vegetable entries. Otherwise, everyone is here, the horse show is going, the dog show is going, the band is about to enter the arena.”

The two-day event featured performances from Kangaroos Gymnastics Team, Solent Dog Display Team, Yateley Morris Dancers and a parade of vintage vehicles.

Katie Diffin, from Lower Earley, said: “This is our first year.

“We are having a really great time, I think it is a nice balance between the stalls and entertainment.”

The marquee hosting an art exhibition was back by popular demand, while exhibitors displayed their flowers, vegetables and fruits in the horticultural marquee, alongside floral art, crafts, photography and cookery.

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