Shropshire: Oswestry Show shrugs off rain for 2023 success

With Storm Antoni causing concern elsewhere in the UK, with a number of country shows postponed or abandoned, Oswestry’s brave and hardy souls scoffed at the rain and enjoyed a fun day out.

Hundreds of businesses, both large and small, were joined by competitors, exhibitors and paying customers to ensure the show was not beaten by the rain.

This left 2023 president David Ellis delighted as he was determined that the show would go on to be a huge success despite the inclement weather.

He said: “It’s amazing to see so many people despite the weather – I’m so pleased with the turnout.

“There’s been crowds in the livestock area and not many pens empty in the sheep area too – it’s been amazing.

“I’m very proud of the way that the exhibitors have come in and got on with the show.

“It’s a sign of how much the show means to them, coming after the Covid years – I should have been president then.

“It might have been a better day weather wise but the country folk have turned out in their droves – it’s just a normal day for them – and the town has supported us too.

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“I’m so proud to be president today, I never thought when I joined the show council that it would end up like this.”

The thanked all those for taking part, from his committee team of volunteers to everyone who gave up their time for the show.

He added: “We knew the rain was coming – we were helped by the sunny weather on Friday as a lot of the trade stands were set up then when the land was dry.

Linda Arthan with Lynne and David Ellis. (Image: Phil Blagg.)

“It meant everything was done before the weather broke and didn’t cut the grass up.

“The highlight of the day was seeing the main ring events – it wasn’t easy for them but I was looking forward to seeing them, with the sheep handling.

“I want to thank all the fantastic volunteers because they put in a lot of work.

“When I started, we had four nights and it’s up to seven now – we’re always looking for more volunteers of course.

“I want to thank all the exhibitors for coming too; it’s a huge effort for them to set up and I really appreciate it.”

David’s wife Lynne Ellis was joined in her presenting duties by Linda Arthan, a close friend, and she echoed her husband’s comments.

She said: “Having Linda by my side was so important and in so many ways we’re all here as part of a continuum with so many people before and so many people after us, I hope.

“They all contribute to make Oswestry show what it is at a specific time.

“It’s not just this set of people this year, we all rely on the people who came before us and hope that our children, and our friends’ children, will all carry this on.

“And it’s such a community here, with everyone chatting away and taking part, even the children.”

Events on the day included animal parades in the main ring, displays from local groups, including gymnastics, and much more.