Record numbers and some famous faces flocked to the Bucks County Show on Thursday to enjoy a celebration of the countryside.
The county’s biggest event of the year took place at Weedon Park between Aylesbury and Whitchurch, where the sun was smiling on organisers after last year’s rain-soaked event. The attendance is yet to be confirmed but it is believed more than 25,000 people turned out during the day.
Amongst them were some famous faces including England cricket captain and Ashes hero Alastair Cook and Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood.
In the morning judges were busy viewing the cattle and sheep to decide who was to be awarded a rosette.
Robert Wilson from Thame Cattle Market comes every year to man the market stall and provide refreshments to his clients.
He said: “I do enjoy the show, it’s difficult in the present climate to keep these shows running with all the costs.
“But this show is always very busy and popular and provides a lovely day that couldn’t be nicer.”
In the cattle tents, stockmen prepared their beef for the judging. Keith Jempson is a freelance stockman who specialises in preparing cattle for shows.
He is here this year for David Plested butchers from Chinnor, showing their British Blues.
Mr Jempson said: “I train them to walk, brake the halter, washing, grooming and clipping and preparing for the show.
“I love the show – it’s a shop window and a day out. I slept here last night in a caravan.”
In the sheep pens, farmer Richard Haynes from Winslow broke off some combining at midnight last night to bring his North Country Mules to the show.
He said: “We normally do all right. We had champions for three years on the trot. It’s a big commitment to show. It takes 12 months looking out for the better sheep, keeping them together and sound. I’m always positive because it’s just nice to be here.”