New A&P format proves a winner

THE SPOILS: Kingsgate jersey calves were winners at this year's A&P Show held at Solway Showgrounds at the weekend. Pictured are (from left) Jacob Coker with Penny, Mikayla Markenstein with Supreme Junior Champion Mandy and Kitty Riach with Lara. PHOTO/CHRIS KILFORD

The biggest crowd in 15 years took in this year's A&P Show with a record 5000 people walking through the gates at Saturday's event held at Solway Showgrounds.

Show society co-ordinator Ally O'Neill said this was the most visitors he had seen attend the annual event in the 11 years he had been involved.

"It was a very good one - the best in recent years; it vindicated moving to one day."

A special event, Gate to the Plate had encouraged farmers back to the show, Mr O'Neill said.

The competition saw lambs judged "on the hoof", "on the hook" and finally on show day "on the plate".

"A lot of the farmer types, that wouldn't normally come, came to that."

In the past, the show had an economic element for farmers, which was not so obvious today, he said.

"You showed your rams off so you could sell them at the sale ... in recent years it's been more your town people and small farmers."

"If your lamb wins, you're regarded as being a pretty good farmer."

The various musicians and shows proved to be crowd-pleasers.

Equestrian events also had "really big entries" - it was the fourth largest A&P equestrian event in the country.