One of the biggest events in the north Northumberland social calendar returned this August Bank Holiday as an estimated 12,000 people descended on the Wooler Showfield.
The Glendale Show was postponed for the last two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and despite some overcast weather, it was a big hit on its return after three years, with all aspects of life in the countryside on display. Taking centre stage were the animal classes, with sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys and goats all up for judging, among others.
This year's Champion of Champions went to Mrs McGowan from Horncliffe Mains with Hunter the Horse. The overall sheep champion was the Shearling Texel Tup of Ian Murray of Glenway Texels, while cattle was won by Jonathan Craggs of Glower-Oer-Him Sedgefield with a commercial Heifer.
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Rachel Tait, Glendale Agricultural Society Company Secretary, said: "It's been a very busy day and a great show. It's been both exciting and nerve racking to come back after three years away but the crowds that have come in today have made it all worthwhile.
"We get people coming from the Scottish borders right through up to Newcastle. I've spoken to people from Sunderland and Durham today so people have really travelled to come to the Glendale Show which is phenomenal, but I think we've had a really spectacular line-up and that's drawn people in too."
That line-up included Atkinson Action Horses, a display team doing daredevil stunt tricks on horseback which have appeared in Peaky Blinders and Poldark; and giant Aldabra tortoises on the furthest journey north yet from their home in Lincolnshire. There were also dog shows, children's fancy dress equine competitions and a horticultural and industrial marquee.
Rachael continued: "The highlight is always the livestock because we're an agricultural show. However, everyone has been talking about the Atkinson Action Horses in the main ring, they've been phenomenal and everybody has just been mesmerised watching them.
"The giant tortoises have been popular too, there's been a ten-deep crowd around them all the time!"
Today's return of the Glendale Show is the 128th time it has taken place and its organisers are hoping there won't be another hiatus as long again. And with the show costing around £100,000 to stage, Rachel wanted to issue a message of thanks to all of those involved with the show.
She finished: "It's been really hard coming back after three years and we couldn't do it without our sponsors, traders, exhibitors and the public who come through the gates."
For more information on the Glendale Show and the full results of this year's full results, click here.
Were you at the Glendale Show? Let us know!
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