Warm sunshine helped attract the crowds to this year's Royal Cornwall Show, which 118,201 people visiting over the three-day event.

Although slightly down on last year's 120,671 attendance, show secretary Chris Riddle said he remained delighted at what he described as a "resounding success."

Mr Riddle said: "We had the most amazing weather for both the build-up and the staging of the show.

"However, we are not surprised that we are not quite at the attendance levels of 2022 – a combination of excitement of the show returning last year, and with everyone watching their wallets a little closer, we expected it to be difficult to match, but all in all, it is still a very good attendance."

 

First prize is presented Picture Roland Ebert

First prize is presented Picture Roland Ebert

 

He continued: “We are really grateful for the support of all those that visit, compete and trade at the show. The atmosphere that we have become known for really shone through, especially so in the livestock and equine sections, where we saw some of the highest competition, both in numbers and quality, we have seen for some time.”

The show received record entries in the sheep sections, and pre-pandemic levels in all other livestock sections, with the quality of animals on display described as some of the best that can be remembered for a long time.

The Royal Cornwall Show also had the honour of hosting the famous Burke Cattle Trophies, originally presented at The Royal Show at Stoneleigh. The winners of the Best Pair of Animals for Beef went to the British Limousins from Arradfoot & Newland Pedigree Livestock with Wedderburn Stormzy and A K & J K Smith and Dinmore So Lovely, that travelled all the way from Cumbria.

 

Beltex sheep on show Picture Roland Ebert

Beltex sheep on show Picture Roland Ebert

 

The Burke Trophy for the Best Pair of Dairy Animals was awarded to the Holstein pair of W H Ley & Partners / Thuborough Farms Ltd, with Thuborough Pepper Kersch and Thuborough Freda from Holsworthy.

Another highlight of the show was visit from Thérèse Coffey, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, on the first day. She visited the cattle lines, spoke to some of the local farmers and announced a new £30m grant for technology and equipment to sustainable food productions and the reduction of emissions and waste.

 

Two superheroes make it their mission to entertain the crowds Picture Roland Ebert

Two superheroes make it their mission to entertain the crowds Picture Roland Ebert

 

The headline acts in the main ring included Ben Atkinson and his Liberty Horses, showing the incredible relationship that can grow between man and horse, while Paul Hannam and his quad bike stunt team amazed the crowds with tricks and jumps.

Although unable to perform on the first day due to high winds, the RAF Falcons parachute team were able to drop into the main ring on Friday and Saturday.

Mr Riddle concluded: “We would like to thank all the hard-working and dedicated team of volunteer stewards, judges, staff and contractors that work tirelessly to ensure that the show goes ahead as smoothly as it does.”

The show clear up has already started and planning has already begun for the 2024 show, which will take place on June 6, 7 and 8.