Event's 150th year is 'magnificent achievement'

An organiser of the Shropshire County Agricultural Show has said reaching its 150th year as an event is a "magnificent achievement for Shropshire".

The show's aim is to promote the role of the agricultural industry, but over the years it has evolved and now welcomes thousands of visitors from outside the industry.

It is held at the West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury, and will be on Saturday from 0900 BST to about 1730.

"We're 150 years old, it's not the 150th show and the reason for that is world wars, foot-and-mouth, Covid," said Ian Bebbington, who is chief executive of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society.

"We're absolutely delighted to have lasted this long and hopefully it'll be there for many generations to come," he told the BBC.

The show has been a staple in the county's events calendar since 1875.

It started out in the Quarry in Shrewsbury, before bouncing around various venues, and finally making its home at the county town's showground.

"One of the constants is the animals," said Mr Bebbington.

"We're delighted this year to have record entries, over 1,000 animals on site, which is what the show is all about."

Attractions at the event include racing pigs, ferrets, a cooking show, and traders selling crafts and food.

"It's just a celebration of country life, really," he said.

This year, the highly popular monster truck show is back after a three year hiatus.

"We're really looking forward to seeing them smash some cars up."

He added that the site, notorious for flooding, was ready for visitors.

"It's well documented about the flooding, and every year we seem to get it back up and running, and it looks magnificent down there," he said.

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