Oswestry Show 2023: Youngsters make memories in the mud

The show went full steam ahead after a dry Friday allowed organisers to get set-up with stall holders and competitors making the most of the rain-free window.

But the heavy rains that arrived in north Shropshire overnight and well into Saturday morning must have sunk many a heart of the people who had worked tirelessly to get the showground ready.

Fortunately, fears were soon allayed as ticket holders arrived and those wanting to pay on the gate began to arrive, looking forward to a day of food, drink and watching all the events.

Old show hands said they had not seen weather like this on the day since 2012 though former mayor of Oswestry, Mark Jones, told the Advertizer that weather arrived that day in the form of an afternoon cloud burst.

The Advertizer spent the day at the show and we were reminded of the famous northern European saying 'no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing' with wellies and waterproofs the fashion order of the day.

Mud baths were enjoyed by animals and children alike, with a few families even engaging in the odd mud fight too, including one aunty who may be having babysitting rights withdrawn after a few mud pies.

Oswestry show Lady President Lynne Ellis was delighted to see so many people enjoying the show.

She said: "It is a great turnout considering the weather – it was a bit concerning first thing this morning.

"It was a glorious evening on Friday and the showground looked wonderful – it was like we were being mocked by the weather.

"We just wanted people to see the showground and the exhibits looking wonderful as it should be.

"It is the result of 365 days of hard work and much more.

"So many people have given up so much of their time to prepare for the show and they’re always trying to improve things."