The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show brought together thousands of visitors for two days of farming tradition, entertainment and rural displays at the Turnpike Showground.
The main ring hosted the Dorset debut of the Knights of Albion, whose professional stunt riders and trick-trained horses staged a lively jousting spectacle. Dressed in armour and vibrant costumes, the riders drew cheers for their heroes and good-natured boos for the villains.
Crowds were also treated to modern adrenaline with the Tigers Motorcycle Display Team from Portsmouth. Young riders aged between five and sixteen performed stunts including fire jumps, high-speed chicanes and leaps over cars.
The event was organised by the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, Dorset’s oldest agricultural society, which uses funds raised to support farming and countryside initiatives.
This year’s show marked the first for the Society’s new president, Baroness Minette Batters, a British farmer and political campaigner. She said she felt privileged to be involved in her local show and was impressed by the variety of attractions on offer.
A presentation took place during the event recognising Olivia Payne, a seventeen-year-old student from Chantry, Frome. Olivia, who is studying towards a career in equine veterinary medicine, received support from the Show’s Student Support Fund. She said the grant has enabled her to pursue her studies and aim for university.
Alongside headline acts, visitors enjoyed vintage machinery, steam engines, heavy horses, classic cars, crafts, shopping, live music and even dancing sheep. The Grand Parade of prize-winning livestock provided a traditional finale, with handlers as young as eight years old taking part.
The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show will return next year on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe.
