The sun shone and more than 12,000 visitors turned out for Blackmore Vale’s newest country event, the Spring Countryside Show at the Turnpike Showground, near Motcombe.

The two-day weekend event, organised by the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show team, showcased rural life and crafts as well as live music, steam engines and classic cars.

“We were joined by so many craft producers, local traders and skilled rural individuals,” said event organiser James Cox. “The feedback on social media has been incredible.”

An exhibition of horseback falconry in the Jonathan Marshall Free Spirits Show was a highlight of the show programme. It featured a black horse, made famous by the adverts for Lloyds Bank, with falcons flying between the horse’s legs, which had the crowd mesmerised.

“‘The best day’ was how our six-year-old described his day at the very first Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Show,” said mother-of-two Victoria Brunton. “There was so much to see and do. It wasn’t just a day out to enjoy local food, peruse the many local traders and listen to local musicians, it was a family experience day where adults and children could learn and do so much together.”

She added: “It’s a rare day when you can experience all the variety of a show in one beautiful setting. We had the chance to watch cooking demonstrations, goat milking and ice cream making, falconry, working steam engines and admire combines up close.

“You could watch a farrier at work, spoon carving, coppice crafts and so much more. The Free Spirits Show was very well received. Many families enjoyed watching Amadeus, the handsome Black Friesian stallion, performing amazing tricks.

“I have always admired Dorset Horse Logging from social media, so to be able to watch demonstrations at the show was a bonus. We also watched sheep of all breeds dancing to music put on by The Sheep Show – I have ideas for Cedric the lamb at home!

“Plenty of food and drink stalls were on offer, too, so there weren’t any of those long queues one expects, so you could sit down and enjoy the wonderful local music. We were quite taken by the Belle Street Singers, who performed wonderfully despite the chill wind!

“What else can top it off other than the bumper cars, the helter-skelter and the Ferris wheel. Families, us included, had so much fun making memories, which have been put on hold over the past few years, and life once more felt a bit back to normal. So, James and co, thank you to you, your team, the sponsors and everyone who worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful day out in the countryside.”

Mr Cox added: “We are over the moon with the responses to the show. We set out on this venture back in the Autumn and never expected it to gain the momentum it has.”
The Spring Countryside Show is set to return in April 2023.