A RECORD-breaking Hawkesbury Show went down a storm with bumper crowds on Saturday (August 31).

The country’s longest-running rural show, which included a tractor pulling competition, traditional carnival procession and popular horticultural contest, attracted more than 3,000 people for the first time in its 128-year history.

Last year only 1,800 people turned up amid torrential downpours but this year saw record crowds show up under sunny skies.

Show treasurer Dick Blundell said: "It went very well, we were fantatistically lucky with the weather and it was the first time we have ever seen over 3,000 people.

"The event is always held on the last Saturday of August and normally that coincides with the Bank Holiday but this year it didn’t and I am not sure that didn’t do us a favour. There are lots of other things going on across the Bank Holiday weekend but maybe a week later there wasn’t anything so people came along."

Whatever the reason for the record turnout, the crowds enjoyed a full day of fun for all the family from an interactive falconry show to a dog agility demonstration and archery lessons to fairground rides.

Carnival Queen Evie England, and her attendants Annice Anderson and Thomas Merritt, all aged 10, led the procession through the village into the showground on the recreation field accompanied by Nailsworth Silver Band.

The horticultural show saw more than 1,700 entries, close to another record, and local auctioneer Nick Cragg helped sell off the produce at the end of the day.

Added Mr Blundell: "We were very chuffed with the turnout because it shows the endurance of the show.

"Half the village helps put the show on and the school works on little projects for it throughout the year. It is a tradition here."