THREE Counties Showground bosses have said they will consider limiting visitor numbers for future Countrytastic events despite it attracting a record crowd of more than 7,000 people this year.
Blue skies and sunshine welcomed the huge number of visitors last Thursday for a day of farmyard fun which was hosted by BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.
But after negative comments from visitors who claimed the venue was ‘too busy’, show organisers have revealed they could change its ticket policy next year.
Showground bosses labelled the day a ‘roaring success’ but stressed it could limit visitor numbers next year to improve it further – meaning it could refuse people wanting to attend on the day of the event.
Ken Nottage, CEO of Three Counties, said: “Wow! What another stonking Countrytastic. We are delighted with the overwhelming number of visitors who joined us to make it yet another brilliant year for the show.
“It was a roaring success and a real highlight of the Easter Holidays. The sun shone and the showground was filled with flocks of farmyard animals, fun and laughter as children got stuck into engaging activities throughout the day.
“Whilst the majority of our visitors thoroughly enjoyed the experience, we are sorry to hear that some people found the event too busy to enjoy themselves to the full and we are considering ways to overcome this in future.
“Countrytastic has always been a popular Easter holiday event for families with young children and this year we achieved record attendances.
“Next year we intend to limit visitor numbers and consideration will be given to entry by advance ticket purchase only.
“Three Counties is proud of its record in providing educational and enjoyable experiences around agriculture for its community and going forward we are looking at ways to further develop this through Countrytastic.”
Visitors commented on Three Counties’ Facebook Page saying they felt the event was too busy.
Kelly Sowande said: “Yes it was extremely busy which impacted on the enjoyment of the event.
“I am a wheelchair user and it was almost impossible to get around and see things. Glad to see you are taking measures to address this for future Countrytastic events. I have previously enjoyed the main Three Counties Show with no problems.”
Samantha Watkins added: “I agree that it was very busy and it could do with being spread out a bit more. Trying to watch children and queue for everything was very hard.”
Visitors got to meet Henson who shared ‘tales from the bales’ in the Livestock Ring with stories about his very own farm.
A theme of crops ran throughout the show with Phillip Houlbrooke inviting budding farmers to get ‘Potty about Potatoes’ with engaging workshops which were followed by asparagus growing sessions spearheaded by Spear to Fern.
The Wag and Bone Ring saw working gundog demonstrations, heavy horse displays, carriage driving and much more. Henry Ray Ferrets were a favourite visitor with lively demonstrations in this area of the show.
Bredon School sponsored Countrytastic 2016 having been involved with the event since its launch in 2009.
