ALL creatures great and small came together on Sunday for one of Bury's most popular fund-raising events - the Bury and District Agricultural Show.

Now in its 56th year, the annual event aimed at raising money for locally-based charities, attracted scores of visitors to Castlecroft Showground to enjoy a fun-packed family day out on a hot summer's day.

Twelve months of meticulous planning had gone into staging the colourful bonanza and organisers were not disappointed with the results.

Mr Alan Booth, chairman of Bury and District Agricultural Show, said: "The only fear we had was whether people would turn up.

"Many events such as these have folded in many parts of the country because of a lack of interest.

"The turnout on the day showed clearly the event is still popular and the society will be going for many years to come."

Throughout the day visitors were entertained by the tunes of the Lancashire Artillery Band, who made their first appearance at the show this year. In spite of the soaring temperatures, the band, donned in their uniforms, paraded twice in the main ring.

Children entranced by the many animals couldn't help but join in with one of the main attractions of the show - clown Ben Lester.

They laughed - though animals cowered - at his comic capers involving a motorcar which made noises most motorists would dread.

But the real stars of the show were the entrants in the many competitions. Many had travelled miles to be at the show.

More trophies than ever before had been donated to the show, and throughout the day competitors kept their fingers crossed for at least one of the awards. The dog show was the biggest ever, attracting a massive 526 entries, while local farmers showed off their sheep and cattle to scrutinising judges. And the main ring was taken up by immaculately-dressed riders and carefully-adorned horses.

Two marquees set side by side displayed the dedication and handiwork of competitors. Prize-winning vegetables caught the eye of many a keen gardener, while a colourful display of carefully-grown flowers lit up the marquee.

Handicrafts were in an abundance in the arts and crafts marquee. They ranged from intricately-designed wall hangings to the decorative plates enthusiastically made by youngsters.

Among the many VIPs showing an interest in the attractions was Bury North MP David Chaytor. He has been a visitor to the agricultural show since he was a teenager. And like many he commended the high standard of entries.

"I am always amazed by the talent displayed in the various exhibitions. The show always seems to get bigger and better," he said.

Mr Chaytor's only regret was that despite the array of exhibitions, there were no goats on display at the event!

As the judging drew to a close, proud winners gathered in the main ring to be presented with their various awards.

A grand parade of successful winners spectacularly finished off the long-standing Bury event.

Mr Booth said: "A huge thanks goes to all members of the committee, the people who turned up to give their support and of course the competitors.

"Without them the show would not have been possible."

Next month the committee will again meet to discuss the 57th Bury and District Agricultural Show!

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