They promised they would stage a show recognisable as the one we all know and love and they’ve delivered. 

As the sun sets on the first day of Devon County Show 2021 yesterday, the organisers have reported a successful day, with a showground bathed in a variety of visitor attractions and July sunshine, as well as better than expected turn out with 18,000 people on the showground. 

Sam Mackenzie Green, Devon County Show manager said: ‘When the Government announced that agricultural shows could join the list of permitted events back on April 12, we were determined to bring the Devon County Show back. It’s not been without its challenges and we’ve worked incredibly hard,

‘in conjunction with East Devon Council, we have implemented all the measures to make it ‘Good to Go’. 

‘Of course, we can do everything we can from our end, but at the end of the day, it’s down to the public to take much of the responsibility.  And we are delighted to see visitors observing the rules and regulations.

‘There has been an absolutely fantastic atmosphere on the showground with lots of smiling faces.  But it’s never felt overly busy.  Our strategy of spreading things out much further than usual across our huge, 83 acre site has worked really well. 

Traders are delighted to be back doing business, and the public seem over the moon to be out again, revelling in the unique atmosphere that a county show delivers. 

A member of the public said: ‘It’s so nice to see a crowd of people again, albeit socially distanced.  Everyone needs a touch of normality return to our lives after such a long absence’

Devon County Show is the first agricultural show with livestock to take place in the UK for 22 months. 

‘It’s been a fantastic day for livestock farmers who at last have been able to come together after such a long absence,’ added Sam. ‘The turnout of animals has also been fantastic, and much higher than we anticipated, with many competitors coming to Devon County Show for the first time, due to the cancellation of other shows they would normally go to.  Hopefully now that they’ve seen what we do - we can keep them coming for the long term.’

The Devon County Show continues today and tomorrow and will culminate in the Great Devon Parade on Sunday at 3pm,  with the show paying respect to all those who have stepped up to the plate during the pandemic.  

Tickets are available on the day at £23 per adults and under 16s go free on Saturday and Sunday.

Don’t forget to come and see us at the Times at our stand at 160 on Avenue F where you can pick up a free copy of this week’s edition and have your picture taken inside our giant newspaper.