Poverty Bay A&P Spring Show turn out topped 21,500 for 150th

The 150th anniversary A&P Spring Show certainly lived up to expectations as a milestone event that was well supported by thousands of people. Photo / Murray Robertson

The 150th anniversary Poverty Bay A&P Spring Show this month drew a combined crowd across two days of more than 21,500 people.

Organisers were unable to confirm if it was an attendance record for the show, but they described it as “very big”.

Last year, the gate figures for the Friday and Saturday of the annual town-and-country get together were recorded as around 18,000.

In 2024, that result was said to be “up by a solid margin” compared with previous years.

The 21,500 through the gates of Showgrounds Park was a combined number that included exhibitors, competitors, A&P Show Association members, and the general public.

“That’s everyone who came through the showgrounds gates,” said association general manager Lana Davy.

Gate numbers show more than 21,500 people went along to the showgrounds for some fun and fellowship across the two days. Photo / Murray Robertson

She was unable to confirm if the turnout was a record.

“That’s certainly a very big number, though,” Davy said.

“Our thanks to the public who supported the milestone event the way they did across both days.

“We brought the fun, and the people did come.”

Show vice-president Stephen Thomson said the 21,500 figure made it one of the biggest shows he has been involved in – “if not the biggest”.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about how many people go there, but how much fun they have,” Thomson said.

“We’re pretty confident that everyone had a great time.

“The committee, the exhibitors, competitors, association members and the public stepped up to make the 150th celebration the success it was.

“We look forward now to the 151st Spring Show in 2026.”