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Crowds turn out for Bakewell Show - pictures, podcast and video
Thousands of visitors streamed into Bakewell yesterday to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of one of Britain's best-loved country shows.
New attractions – including a medieval jousting display and a visit from a former soap star – persuaded bumper crowds to brave damp conditions at the 179th Bakewell Show.
To listen to the Mercury's first-ever Bakewell Show podcast, click here.
To watch the Derbyshire Times' video from the show, click here.
Show manager Janet Bailey said she had high hopes for this year's event, as large crowds filed through the turnstiles.
She told the Mercury: "I know it seems strange, but we are hoping the recession will work in our favour as we offer families a good value day out.
"We normally get 60,000 people but I'd really like to beat that, as other events have seen an increase due to more British people staying at home."
Miniature horses, playful hounds and the swashbuckling Knights of the Damned jousting troupe – led by television stuntman Justin Pearson – got the festivities underway in the main ring yesterday.
Meanwhile, families enjoyed a diverse range of music on 'The Village Green', fun on the sandy beach and tasty food along Agricultural Way.
Heavy rain battered the showgrounds on Tuesday night, but organisers
said no events would be affected.
Mrs Bailey said: "It's only the parking areas that are a bit of a problem, but we've had guys working down there since 6.30am so people don't get stuck and we've certainly got enough tractors about to help out."
The show has been affected by a new Derbyshire Constabulary policy which has removed free marshalling by officers.
Hundreds of traders were selling farm foods – including one busy cheese stall run by former Coronation Street star Sean Wilson.
The actor, who played Martin Platt in the long-running ITV show, has swapped the cobbles of Weatherfield for a new career as a champion cheese maker.
Main ring highlights today include international showjumping, a display from the High Peak Harriers and the grand parade at 3pm.
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Weather for Bakewell
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
