Hawke's Bay A&P show's slashed price gets punters flocking in

Crowds in amongst the colourful tents at the A&P Show. Photo / Warren Buckland

Lower prices, sunny weather, and the general manager shearing a sheep in pink stilettos helped make this years Royal A&P Show a success, with thousands streaming through the gates.

Hawke's Bay A&P Society general manager Sally Jackson said, on Friday afternoon, more than 27,500 people had come through across the three days.

"We're really happy with the numbers through, and the sun has seasonally brought out the crowds in droves."

People had seemed to have enjoyed the traditional rural elements of show most, Jackson said.

"Having those wood choppers and the fences and the sheep and the cattle, it's really made a difference."

"The fantastic equestrian events that were going on, they were a huge attraction, and everyone really wanted to see more of that.

She said highlighting the agricultural and pastoral side was really important.

"We are champions of the primary industry, we really need to make sure that's highlighted in everything we do."

As well as organising the event, Jackson got in on the action, going up against sheep shearing world champion Rowland Smith.

Smith was given a handicap for the competition, having to set up his station and put on his shoes, whereas Jackson began straight away.

He was also surprised by being given a large ram, rather than a ewe to shear.

Jackson took out the top spot in the race, impressive given she had learned to shear only three months ago, however she said she knew she could do better.

"I felt a bit gutted that I didn't do as well as I could have, but we still won the race, and we raised close to $3000 for Farmstrong."

After her shear against the world champion, she donned a pair of pink heels while shearing a sheep, all in the name of charity.

Jackson wanted to thank the sponsors and volunteers of the show.

"We couldn't do it without them."

The show will have the Royal status for the next three years.

"That's going to be fantastic, we can just build on what we've achieved here, and just get it bigger and better each year along."