Huge rise in entries ahead of Suffolk Show at Trinity Park

And good weather is predicted at Trinity Park, Ipswich, for show days - Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 1 - which should mean big crowds.

The record-breaking return of the county showcase last year saw 97,000 people through the gates over the two days. 

Although they are not expecting to achieve those heady heights, the farmers behind the event are optimistic that it will be a good year.

"We think it's going to be fantastic weather for the show and hopefully that will bring people to Trinity Park in their droves again like last year," said show director John Taylor, who farms near Woodbridge.

From March through to the King's coronation, downpours have kept the Suffolk Agricultural Association showground green and lush and it has been "perfect weather" since then.

Last year they were frantically irrigating the grounds because of lack of rain in the run-up to the event - but this year the grounds team has been cutting it - and only started irrigating this week. 

"It's one thing we are very proud of - that the rings are in great shape," said John.

With just a few days to go preparations are well advanced. Marquees are up and there's a strong sense of purpose around the site. Straw has arrived to bed in the livestock in the sheds ready for the big event.

The Suffolk Agricultural Association workforce has been hard at work behind the scenes - and both the office and grounds staff had "really, really got stuck in". Paula Slater secured just short of 800 trade stands - bringing them close to pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile Helen Fomenko's efforts in the marketing department meant sponsorship this year was well above budget. They were also getting plenty of hits on the show website and ticket sales are "going in the right direction", said John.

"I'm buoyed up by the fact we have got a great team in the office," he said.

"We have got everything in place - we just want people to come and enjoy the day in half term with their family and friends."

Organisers have been conscious of the cost-of-living crisis and held early online prices down - despite seeing their own costs rise. "We don't want to make profit - we want people to have fun," said John.

The rings are packed with events - and around the grounds there will be chance to meet Ipswich Town Football Club players following the team's triumphant year, enjoy a host of sporting activities from climbing to airdrops - or brush up on their skills in the skills zone.

Promisingly, many entries are up despite the costs crisis. Among them will be a bumper entry of 192 heavy horses - including a large contingent which will be making its way down from Scotland - thanks to the recruiting efforts of heavy horse steward Mark Donsworth. "He's done a great job," said John.

There will also be 735 light horses, 125 show jumpers - and 14 carriages riding around the local villages during the show.

In the livestock rings, 660 sheep, 260 cattle, 60 goats and 60 pigs will be competing. John is particularly happy to see such healthy numbers given that livestock showing has been the heart of the show since it began back in 1831.

Among the many highlights will be a Red Devils parachute display and a Shetland pony grand national.

As visitors return, they will see some new permanent features - including the King's Gates to mark the coronation and wood sculptures by artist Luke Chapman.

Local cadets will be out in force - with 60 to 80 helping out in the rings after staying overnight on site. "They are always a great bunch and we are indebted to their support and hard work," said John.

And there will be more bowler-hats - with 350 stewards in all - including many younger people who want to be involved.

The build-up to the event has been tremendous, he added. "It's been a really good atmosphere."

For many years, John headed up the maintenance team so it's unsurprising to see the grounds in very spruce shape.

"The showground looks great and coming from maintenance I want everything to look right," he said. "It's your big garden and you have got visitors coming and you would hate to see it looking shabby and in a poor state."