ROYAL Cornwall Show-goers packed the ground near Wadebridge for the first day on Thursday, June 9, when the show, in its 223rd year, was blessed with hot, dry weather.

There is always something for everyone at the show, whether interested in the livestock entries, looking for a day of shopping or wanting to take in the entertainment in the main ring.

Those with an interest in all things equine were in particular luck this year, as not only were there all kind of classes including riding, show jumping, driving, heavy horses and miniature horses in the main ring, there was also an appearance from one of the ‘stars’ of BBC TV series Poldark — Seamus, who plays Ross Poldark’s (Aidan Turner) horse in the series, was at the show to meet and greet show-goers.

He was joined by his stablemates from Atkinson Action horses, who performed an all-action horseback stunt show in the main ring.

Other main ring entertainment included Cropper’s Sheepdogs, the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth, the Devon and Cornwall Police dog display team, the RAF Falcons parachute display team and the ever popular massed parade of hounds.

The entertainment was not confined to the main ring, and music especially plays a key role at the show. Two specialist areas catered for a wide range of musical tastes, and local talent serenading the crowds included Boscastle Buoys and Wadebridge Town Band.

There were also numerous displays and demonstrations for all interests, from fly casting and thatching to ferret racing and birds or prey flying displays.

This year’s Royal Cornwall Show president was the Rt Rev Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro. President elect is Lady St Levan, of St Michael’s Mount.

Mr Thornton told the Post of the run-up to the show: “It’s been very good, I have been very lucky, there are wonderful people here on the showground that look after me.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the people again behind the scenes that might not get thanked for what they do. This is an extraordinary event — it would be nice just to go say thank you to some of them.”

Mr Thornton added as part of his role as show president it was a ‘great privilege’ to be able to meet some of the show’s judges.

He said he was looking forward to hearing the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth in the main ring that afternoon, as well as the Poldark ‘equine stars’.

He added: “The stunt horses sound quite fun.” Joking that he could have taken part in their display, he added: “I haven’t got a six-pack to help anybody!”

He said it was his eighth year at the show, adding: “I love it. I wouldn’t miss it. It’s one of the things that goes in my diary first every year.”

Royal Cornwall Show chairman Michael Williams, who farms at Werrington, said: “It ranks in the top three of agricultural shows in the whole country.

“Everything is here. It doesn’t matter what you are — whether you are a farmer’s family or whether you are living in Dorset and want to show cattle — you have got to come to Royal Cornwall.

“We are very lucky to have a rural site, tailor-made for the job, and we have stuck to the agricultural roots.”

Mr Williams said he was also looking forward to the Marine Band playing in the main ring, which he said would be a ‘big attraction’, as well as the horses and the cattle parade lines. Mr Williams, who has exhibited cattle at Royal Cornwall previously but not this year, quipped: “I just haven’t got a good bull to show!”

More than 117,000 people attended the show over the three days.