THOUSANDS of people have enjoyed a range of agricultural events after the South of England Show returned to Sussex.

The three-day event in Ardingly saw the return of equine and livestock competing as well as new attractions, including displays from the Army and a garden design competition.

Visitors enjoyed more than 100 things to see and do at the show, including international show jumping, axe throwing, archery, and even a medieval re-enactment.

Many also took the opportunity to enjoy some sunshine, as the mercury across parts of Sussex hit 18C.

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The South of England Agricultural Society, organisers of the show, expect that more people may have been attracted to this year’s event due to the sunny and warm weather over the weekend.

A spokeswoman for the Society said: “It’s felt busy, there were really good vibes and the weather always helps.

“For last year’s show everyone had to buy in advance and we were at limited capacity, but this year we were able to do tickets at the door as well.

“We were expecting more than 10,000 people a day, but I think from the way that the weather has been that will probably be far higher than we anticipated.”

The Argus:

The spokeswoman added that it has been great to bring back the show with a full range of events, after a more limited show last year due to the pandemic.

Visitors were also able to experience traditional countryside activities and crafts, such as hedge laying and trug making, as well as country sports with gundogs, hounds, and birds of prey.