New Forest Show in pictures: Tens of thousands visit event

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the huge showground at New Park, Brockenhurst, to revel in the Forest's annual celebration of rural life.

The three-day show, which finished on Thursday, normally attracts between 90,000 and 100,000 spectators from across the south.

Last year's event was the first to be held since the pandemic and drew what was described as a record number of visitors.

One of the stands at the show was staffed by campaigners battling to save the Foxlease activities centre at Lyndhurst (Image: Newsquest.)

The opening day of the 2023 show also saw a huge crowd, but the overall figure is thought to have been affected by worsening weather as the week wore on.

There was even a hint of Glastonbury-style mud in parts of the showground, although officials said the ground coped well with the elements.

Some of the female visitors dressed for all eventualities, donning a combination of posh frocks and Wellington boots.

One of the main attractions was a breathtaking display by the REME Lightning Bolts, an army parachute display team that literally dropped in on the show.

Show boss Denis Dooley with the event's mascot, Rufus (Image: Newsquest.)

Speaking on Thursday morning the show's chief executive, Denis Dooley, said: "It's has gone really well - we've had good numbers on the past couple of days, with plenty of positive, happy people.

"The highlight for me has been the parachute display team. What's lovely about them is that you can see them from all over the showground."

Mr Dooley added: "Everyone likes the interactive activities for all the family - there's so much to do. And there's the animals, we've got a record number of entries in the sheep and cattle sections."

This year's show president, Sway councillor Barry Rickman, added: "It's been an amazing show - the weather hasn't deterred people's enthusiasm."

Enthusiasts displayed a selection of classic motorbikes dating back to 1926 (Image: Newsquest.)

Referring to people taking part in the event he said: "I've been so impressed with the next generation of people coming through. It bodes well for the future of the show."

Members of the Saints Disabled Supporters' Associaton displayed a privately-owned replica of the FA Cup, which Southampton FC won in 1976.

Saints legend Matt Le Tissier visited the show on Thursday and delighted fans by posing for pictures.

One of the stands was staffed by campaigners battling to save the Foxlease activities centre, which is due to be sold by Girlguiding UK.

A charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) called Foxie's Future has been set up by supporters of the facility, which occupies a large site on the edge of Lyndhurst.

The CIO aims to buy or lease Foxlease and is already developing a long-term business plan.

One of the campaigners, Hazel Warwick, said: "We believe we have an opportunity to create something special."