PUNCH and Judy failed to turn up but just about everybody else in town did to watch the 103rd Wilmslow Show.

Originally organised by the the Alderley Edge and Wilmslow Horticultural Society, the premier town's summer event, held at Wilmslow High School, attracted thousands of people who lapped up the sunshine on the newly configured show field.

Show secretary Frank McCarthy said: "The whole event went extremely well and the new layout which moved the arena to the middle of the field was a great hit, with the bandstand welcoming people as they arrived at this year's show."

The bandstand line-up included performances by the Stockport Ukelele Band, Lost in the Mist, Annie's Jazz Band and the Pantonic All Stars Steel Band.

Mr McCarthy estimated that up to 5,500 people gathered on the field to witness an array of attractions, which included a children's fair, hot air balloon, TV magician Andrew Van Buren, free donkey rides and games, horses, dog and duck, crafts, dance, music, classic cars, floral and horticultural, birds of prey, alpacas and shire horses.

Activities got underway with the Chesterfield Musketeers Show Band, followed by Jemma Leopold - Dressage, Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Spectacular, Cuerden Birds of Prey, Gary Lee Cumberland Giant Wrestlers and Dog and Duck, throughout the afternoon.

The dance arena witnessed performances by Alderley and District Caledonian Society, Ellie Anderson, Amy Mayer's Sylk School of Dance and Knypersley Line Dancing Group.

Dog lovers were equally entertained at The Barkers Dog Arena, which included Woodford Dog Training Club, the Wilmslow Wild Dogs Flyball Team, Barkers Temptation Alley and dog show.

Mr McCarthy added: "It was fantastic to see so many happy faces and this year, probably for the first time, we saw people bringing along blankets so that they could sit on the grass and enjoy a picnic while watching the entertainment."

Unfortunately, the Punch and Judy man failed to show up but other than that everybody had a wonderful day out.

"As an annual event the Wilmslow Show we are going from strength to strength and its future is secure."

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