The success of the event was so phenomenal that jubilant organisers announced at its close that it would be a firm annual date in the Bath & West calendar. This means that the prestigious Royal Smithfield Club’s livestock competitions are once again back as a major annual event.
Said Geoff Burgess, Chief Executive of the Royal Smithfield Club: “It has been a fantastic event – and the numbers of visitors have far exceeded our expectations. We were hoping for about 10,000 but to get 15,000 is really brilliant and the atmosphere has been amazing.”
Mr Burgess said the 459 sheep and 312 cattle entries from across the country and Ireland were the same number as when the competitions were held in 2004 at Earls Court. Support from livestock and tradestand exhibitors had been stalwart – interest in the show had been so great that an extra marquee had had to be added to cope with demand as bookings for space poured in.
He added that the prices at the auction of the animals at the close of the show had held comfortably above the market price – an important factor for all shows.
“The fact that everyone involved has backed our move here is really great and the support from the livestock and trade exhibitors has been amazing. We will be back here next year and it will be an annual event – a cracking livestock event!”
Show manager Alan Lyons said: “I am extremely proud of all the Royal Bath & West staff who worked so hard in the last seven months to deliver this superb event. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the Royal Smithfield Club and feel we have made friends for life.
“The exhibitors who came from across the United Kingdom were impressed with the “West Country” welcome and the facilities here at the Showground. It has been a great moment in the history of the Royal Bath & West of England Society and we look forward to building on the success of this event for an even better Christmas Fair in 2007.”
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Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair is a Winner
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