PRIZED vegetables and homemade cakes provided a tasty centrepiece for one of the region’s biggest country shows at the weekend.

The annual Hawkesbury Show, now in its 129th consecutive year making it the longest-running show of its kind in the UK without ever having been cancelled, saw crowds of 3,000 people pack into the recreation ground and village hall on Saturday (August 30).

There were falconry displays and a dog agility demonstration in the main arena as well as more than 40 stalls and children’s crafts, activities, archery lessons and fairground rides.

Visitors enjoyed a popular beer tent and Pimms stall and there were hog roasts served throughout the afternoon.

But the main attraction was a huge marquee packed full of homegrown produce, homemade wines, beautifully-baked cakes and lovingly-made crafts. There were exhibits in a long list of categories which also included children’s paintings, models and scarecrows.

Show committee chairman Keith Player said: “The sight when you walked in the marquee was unbelievable. We are not just talking about a little tent at a village fair, it was a huge marquee which costs us £4,000 to hire.”

He added: “The day went very well. It was really well supported with crowds of 3,000 people which is what we expect now and importantly it didn’t rain after raining all day on Friday.”

The Duchess of Beaufort, whose husband is president of the show, attended and crowned the show princess and her attendants and the day finished with an auction of the exhibits hosted by Nick Cragg, of Country Properties in Chipping Sodbury.

Mr Player said: “The show takes a lot of hard work from our committee of 13 and we start setting up on the Monday beforehand.

“But it is all worth it and we look forward to our 130th year next year.”

The committee will hold a debrief meeting this month before planning next year’s show in January.