GARSTANG SHOW 2025
My first visit to the annual Garstang Show. It won’t be my last. I can’t say enough about the event. Why you ask? Well let’s start with the location, easy to get to, plenty of signs to guide you to the right areas. The entrance l used to gain entry onto the field was well manned and gave a very warm welcome, a good start. The field its self was great, green grass, cut to a decent length, wellies not needed. Signage within the show ground was very good, with plenty of chairs around the arena for spectators. As the morning went on, more and more people arrived and by lunch time the atmosphere was building l felt, into a relaxing fun day. Ok. The show has a farming back ground, with this, it does come across as a family friendly event. Everyone mucking in to help each other generates the sense of one big happy family having a day off from the normal day to day farming. However, the seriousness of the competition between each other showing off their beloved animals came through intensely. The time, effort, and more importantly the love shown in getting the animals ready for judging was a sight to be seen. It was a pleasure to capture this in some of my images.
Having arrived at opening time (08:30) the place was fairly quiet, so l quickly walked around the field taking in positions of certain areas and marquees that my be of interest later on in the day. So let’s get to the photography bit. My style is documentary, so this event was perfect for me. The animals took centre stage, however the people around them came a close second. I tried to capture the emotions and atmosphere in and around the arena, plus taking in the various marquee’s and stalls dotted around the site. Even the mini circus got a visit, oh, and the dancing sheep. Yes, a few dogs, well lots of dogs doing their stuff. Overall its was a brilliant day. l couldn’t catch everything, as so much was going on at once. Hopefully my images give you a sense of the day.
One last thought. The organisers need to find a sponsor that includes washing powder (Proctor & Gamble and Lever Brothers spring to mind). On what l saw later in the day, the farmers would no doubt be thankful. Also thanks for all the volunteers that put the hard work in to make the Garstang Show such a pleasurable day out.
Enjoy the slideshow. Many thanks for looking.
