DARING Cossack-style stunt riders shared the spotlight with magnificent Clydesdale horses yesterday as families enjoyed a feast of entertainment at one of the biggest country shows in the North East rural calendar.
There was something for everyone as between 13,000 and 14,000 people from all over the region gathered for the 119th annual Glendale Show in Northumberland.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ryan, 4, and Holly Cowens, 10
-
Millie, 5, Phil and Emily Hope, 6, from Berwick
-
Robbie Falcon and Zach Corbeett
-
Enya Marczac, 4, from Powburn
-
Sebastian Marczac, 20 months, from Powburn
Organisers were delighted as a huge Bank Holiday crowd thronged the showground near Wooler for nine hours of breathtaking displays, exhibitions, livestock competitions and music.
On Saturday, committee members were out at 6am on an emergency mission to save the show marquees being blown away by high winds.
But yesterday the weather relented for the big day as the rain and gales stayed away, and the crowd was even bathed in sunshine for brief periods.
It was a record-breaking renewal with more than 385 sheep in the show pens, about 300 dogs of all shapes and sizes, more than 250 trade stands and a much expanded livestock parade – which this year featured the return of show favourite the Clydesdale horses, as well as Icelandic horses, Alpacas and a haltered cow and calf.
Although the show remains rooted in its agricultural and farming origins, there was plenty of entertainment, music, food and drink for urban visitors to enjoy.
The Devil’s Horseman – Cossack-style equestrian stunt riders who have starred in a number of major box office hit films including the Harry Potter series – put on two thrilling shows in the main ring.
And the Houghton-le-Spring-based 3Sixty Bicycle Display Team performed some breathtaking stunts, as well as making an unsuccessful attempt on the world record for the highest vertical drop on a bike.
