THE decision to move Monmouthshire Show away from its traditional Thursday slot to a Saturday has been hailed a success.

Last Saturday thousands of people visited the agricultural show at the county’s showground in Monmouth and by lunchtime the attendance had equalled last year’s event held in August.

Show secretary Liz Egerton said: “Its been a great show blessed by great weather and an excellent attendance by the farming community and beyond.

“It’s brilliant to see more families attending the even, especially as it means that many people don’t have to take time off work to be here.

“It’s especially pleasing that by 1pm we had reached the attendance levels of last year and from that statistic alone I would say that moving the show to a Saturday has been a great success.”

Committee member Steven Hart who was the chairman of Monmouthshire Show when the decision to move was made and said: “Putting on the show with all its ancillary attractions is a very expensive affair.

"I took the bold step in suggesting that we move to a Saturday to boost the crowds and the income the show receives.

“However our problem was finding a slot in the agricultural calendar which to move to. The first Saturday in July was effectively our only option, so we plumped for that date.

“Another advantage of moving to the weekend is that we avoid causing problems for commercial traffic on the approach roads. And obviously I am pleased with the increased attendance in crowds.”

The Monmouthshire Show featured a lot of action-packed events, which included displays of livestock, despite the prevalence of Bovine Tb, scurry racing and a motorbike stunt group performance in the main arena and a dog show in the countryside arena.