Stanhope Show sees crowds flock to Unthank Park for day one

Day one of the Stanhope Show brought out the crowds to Unthank Park despite the changeable weather.

It is the 183rd event in what is a mainstay of the country show season, traditionally following similar events in nearby St John's Chapel and Wolsingham over the previous two weekends.

Among the many highlights were the return of quad biker extraordinaire, Paul Hanam, bringing thrills and spills to the main show arena, while the rampaging Jonathan Marshall, of Game of Thrones and Poldark fame, gave a display on his veteran trusty steed Amadeus, of Lloyds Bank TV ad fame.

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

The show's general secretary, Lisa Johnstone, now in her eighth year in the role, was delighted at the turnout and hopes it is matched on day two, on Sunday.

"We're a real community show, and each year you see people who you may only see once a year.

"It's lovely to see the farmers coming in on their tractors with their dogs.

"Generally, we've had a lot of people through the gate, and although it's been a bit showery, the ground is so hard because of the dry summer, it's not been a problem.

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

(Image: Andy Futers)

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The second day (Sunday September 14) gets underway at 9am with tickets available on the gates, with lots of show classes featured as well as Paul Hanam back on his quad bike in the main arena.

Stanhope Show(Image: Andy Futers)

There will also be plenty of pooches on display, some of them novices to the show arena.

Leah Johnstone, the daughter of the show secretary, has put up the trophy for rescue dogs, fittingly calling it the Oscar, in memory of her beloved greyhound of that name, which passed on last year.

The show winds up with bands in the members' bar and the traditional church service from 6 to 7pm.