AFTER engines revved up, Thame Show organisers hope they have turned a corner by restoring the festival to its traditional September date.

Show director Chris Parker estimated more than 12,000 people came through his gates at the Kingsey Road showground on Thursday.

They watched a sheep show, showjumping and livestock classes as well as less traditional glassblowing demonstrations and a quad-bike stunt team.

Oxford Mail:

Karen Morris with Suited and Booted takes the lead in the scurry driving event.

Last year, organisers moved the show to July in an attempt to draw more punters, after losing some £116,000 in the previous four years. The move proved unsuccessful, and visitor and trader numbers dropped.

Our top stories

But Mr Parker said he had a good feeling about going back to the traditional date.

The former showjumper from Haddenham, near Thame, said: “Without a shadow of a doubt it was the right move.

“The public came back and the trade came back, it was a really good day.

“I haven’t heard a bad word said, the reception has been great.”

Oxford Mail:

Graham Watkins with Copper during a working dogs demonstration.

The first official show of the Thame Agricultural Association was held in October 1888, but the unofficial origins go back another 30 years.

The event took on the role of being Oxfordshire's county show after the demise of a separate event held at Oxford Airport.

Organisers announced the return to the traditional September date this year after a public consultation showed a swell of support from regulars.

Mr Parker, 56, a father-of-two added: “It is a very traditional Autumn show in the harvest season. It is the time of year that makes it what it is.”

Oxford Mail:

Ray Prior with Pickford the Barn Owl.

He said one of his favourite acts was a song-and-dance show by four local primary schools, a first for 2014.

This year’s show cost about £200,000 to stage, with all the profits from £15 ticket sales going back into next year’s event.

The headline attraction in the main ring was the Kangaroo Kids quad bike stunt team.

Visitors also got to admire falconry, sheepdog and gundog displays, a fun dog show and a traditional bakery show.

Thame Town Councillor and former Thame Show chairman David Bretherton said: “There were an awful lot of people there.

“The displays in the produce section were marvellous and the cars went into the overflow car park for the first time I can remember.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.