Newbury Show 2024: What was on for the first day of this year’s show at Newbury Showground

UPDATE: With the sun now shining, it looks like visitors may be lucky enough to see the balloons going up today after all.

They are due to go up from the main arena from 5.30pm, eit

Thousands of people are enjoying all the fun and displays to be had, as Newbury Show makes a welcome return.

So far there’s been two downpours but with food, shopping and craft tents aplenty there were lots of places to hide and enjoy some treats while the clouds cleared.

And all the activities in the main arena are going ahead as usual, with the exception of the hot air balloons, which have been sadly called off already due to the weather.

The early morning visitors were packed into the main arena to witness the steam display, which was quickly followed by the excitement of the Pony Club mounted games.

The heavy horses - which also wowed as they displayed in the main arena - have been showing their muscle in their very own display arena this year.

From logging to a horse-drawn fire engine, complete with old-fashioned firefighters there has been plenty for lovers of the large equines to enjoy.

The British National Scurry Driving Championship has been as fast and furious as ever, while children flooded into the arena to join the parade of hounds.

The judging for the livestock has also been taking place today and we’re eagerly awaiting the Grand Parade of Livestock, one of the highlights in the main arena later this afternoon.

Elsewhere the shopping opportunities are huge at this year’s show. With a food and drink tent and a craft tent, as well as an avenue of local producers, hundreds of visitors were enjoying tasters of food and drink from English sparkling wine, to gin and chocolate liqueur, and from pasties, to sausages and fudge.

The Kennet Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers were entertaining visitors with displays of spinning and weaving in the craft tent too.

Wiltshire-based Olive and Rosie were in the shopping tent welcoming back customers from last year’s show. They sell handmade, natural and recyclable soaps, deodrants, and hair bars.

Owner, Rosie Deans, who makes all the products from her home from her own recipes, said: “So far it’s been really good. What has been really nice is repeat customers from last year coming back.”

Lord Carnarvon is also at the show, selling his Highclere Gin, as well as the estate’s horse feed and rape seed oil.

He is a former president of the Newbury and District Agricultural Society, which arranges the show, like his father and his grandfather before him.

“It is a great community event,” he said. “I think it’s great that the show continues; it would be sad if there was no more show.”

Avenues of shopping outlets offer everything from country clothing and pursuits, gifts, crafts, jacuzzis and financial advice.

There are some charity stalls too, which are all proving busy with people donating and finding out about the volunteering opportunities available.

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue were there with their kit - and the beautiful, now retired, search dog Cassine - talking to visitors about the great work they do in desperate situations.

Cassine was there with her owner Anabelle, from Great Shefford, who has been a volunteer since 2016.

Newbury Chiropractic Centre are on hand to offer free posture checks too - just in case all those shopping bags are playing havoc with your back and shoulders!