A whopping 13,000 people turned out for one of Suffolk's biggest county shows that supports charities and showcases British agriculture.

The 185th Hadleigh Show saw crowds return to Holbecks Park on Saturday (May 18), run by Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association (HFAA).

The huge event featured a great variety of shows in entertainment rings across the showground, including the new for this year Fell and Moorland Club Terrier Racing.

The huge event also featured an archery "have a go stand" run by Sudbury Tudor Archers, an education tent with activities for children, floral and horticultural marquees, and a funfair. 

East Anglian Daily Times: A huge 13,000 people attended this year's show.A huge 13,000 people attended this year's show. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

Sustainability was a great feature of this year's event, with the show's generators powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) reducing carbon emissions by 90%, and 95% of the rubbish from the show was recycled off-site due to a new contract.

READ MORE: Can you spot yourself in these Hadleigh Show 2024 pictures?

East Anglian Daily Times: The show's funfair.The show's funfair. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

 

Show director George Halsall, a potato and beef farmer based at Langham, near Colchester, said: "The day was absolutely brilliant for us.

"The weather turned - it was a wet set-up and we had to be quite strict on trade stands coming in so the ground wasn't too wet, but then it turned lovely and sunny.

East Anglian Daily Times: There was plenty of action for the 13,000 strong crowd to watch during Saturday's Hadleigh Show.There was plenty of action for the 13,000 strong crowd to watch during Saturday's Hadleigh Show. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

"It wasn't a record-breaker in terms of attendance, but considering how tough things are for people financially, we are exceptionally pleased so many came out to support our show.

East Anglian Daily Times: The show took place at Holbecks Park in Hadleigh.The show took place at Holbecks Park in Hadleigh. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

"This show is known for the atmosphere - friendly stewards and friendly faces - and we really wanted to focus on that this year. We introduced music at each food stations, and we had a DJ set running on a solar panel, and live music.

"My personal highlight was stepping back after all the hard work that went into the show in the last week and seeing people enjoying all the different parts of the show.

East Anglian Daily Times: There was something for everyone, said show director George Halsall.There was something for everyone, said show director George Halsall. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

"There was something for everyone. Sitting back and seeing it all happening, that was the highlight."

Mr Halsall added: "This show is run by more than 200 volunteers, and I want to thank all of them who put in so much hard work.

East Anglian Daily Times: There was plenty of action for the 13,000 strong crowd to watch during Saturday's Hadleigh Show.There was plenty of action for the 13,000 strong crowd to watch during Saturday's Hadleigh Show. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

East Anglian Daily Times: There was plenty of action for the 13,000 strong crowd to watch during Saturday's Hadleigh Show.There was plenty of action for the 13,000 strong crowd to watch during Saturday's Hadleigh Show. (Image: Bill Hiskett)

"We are so thankful that want to be here and help. It wouldn't have happened without them."

East Anglian Daily Times: Find out all of the What's On events in Suffolk here.Find out all of the What's On events in Suffolk here. (Image: Newsquest)

Proceeds from the show support many charities in the area, which has included Hadleigh Elderly People's Project, Hadleigh Men's Shed, the Porch Project, Hadleigh Young Farmers, the town's football and rugby clubs, St Elizabeth's Hospice, and agricultural charities such as Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and the Farming Community Network.