RURAL skills, sports and more dazzled through the intermittent drizzle at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show.

Running on Wednesday and Thursday, August 14 and 15, saw thousands make their way through the gates at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe.

The event showcased a host of rural attractions, craft skills, live music and delicious Dorset food and drink.

Hilarious camel racing proved to be one of the star attractions as the annual show welcomed renowned animal trainer, Joseph Fossett, with his aptly-named Joseph’s Amazing Camels, who’ve been featured in Bollywood, Disney and Marvel movies.

Joseph’s Amazing Camels in Dorset!

Elsewhere, the rare-breed cattle and sheep were a popular draw, with sheep handlers as young as five showing off their four-legged friends.

Overall prize winners took part in a Grand Parade in the afternoon with an incredible line-up of cattle, sheep and majestic heavy horses.

A future farmer shows off his prize sheep

For those with racing in their blood, young jockeys enjoyed the thrill of showjumping on a smaller scale, as they competed in the Shetland Pony Grand National alongside the excitement of full-scale showjumping and the regal spectacle of stately carriage driving.

Jumping for joy – and victory – in the Shetland Pony Grand National

“As well as a great day out for the family, the show is a highlight in the farming community calendar as farmers from across the county came together to network, do business and enjoy s brief respite from the busy harvest season,” a spokesperson said.

“And the sun even appeared.”

Thrilling showjumping at the 2024 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

Young handlers showing off their rare breeds and more

Joseph’s Amazing Camels

Youngsters enjoying a relax at the 2024 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

Beautifully turned-out carriages in the arena