Stanhope Show lived up to its reputation as one of the premier events in the late summer agricultural activity season over the weekend.

Crowds flocked to Unthank Park in the Weardale town for the 182nd show staged by Stanhope Agricultural Society, as always, traditionally held on the second weekend of September.

There was a packed programme of events in both the main show field, but also around the sidelines, where there was an array of craft and trade stands and stalls.

It was the first year under the tenure of the first female show president, Diane Wright, a familiar greengrocer in Stanhope, having succeeded Tom Collingwood, who has been made a life member of the society.

(Image: Andy Futers)

General secretary Lisa Johnstone, now in her seventh year in the role, said it appeared to go as well as ever, with the fine weather, particularly on Saturday, ensuring there was plenty of footfall through the gates.

(Image: Andy Futers)

"It's upper Weardale, so we're prepared for all eventualities with the weather, but it's held up well and the word from the gate was that it's almost been a record turn-out.

"It's a real community effort and there's a lot of families involved in the planning pretty much year round.

"As soon as one show ends we start the planning for the following year."

(Image: Andy Futers)

The event has remained a firm fixture in the diaries of many Durham dales' folk, with only Foot and Mouth and Covid causing enforced cancellations, as the show went on even through the war years.

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Apart from all the usual agricultural and equine classes there was an array of other entertainment for showgoers, including Paul Swift Stunts, of Darlington, recreating a four-wheeled version of the England/Spain Euro football final, only with a more favourable outcome for home fans.

Bold Dog Lings returned to Stanhope after a few years absence to thrill the crowds with his motorcycle stunts and Urban Kaos brought some glitter with their dance skills.

The general secretary was delighted with the proceedings over the entire weekend, with only the issue of the clean up to follow for show officials and volunteers in coming days.