Moments of magic in Billingshurst

Leading the Carnival Procession were Carnival Princess Chloe Evans with her attendants Isla Greenfield and Jenna Frampton, flower girls Poppy Herbert, Lucy Holland and India Tandy, and magicians Sidney Greenfield, Lewis Brown and Joshua Pullen.

Jeremy Quinn MP was on hand to judge the winners of the Carnival Procession. His vote went to Dauxwood Cubs for their Alice in Wonderland float. Billingshurst Brownies & Rainbows were second, and St. Gabriel’s Playgroup third. Carnival Princess Chloe Evans then declared the show open.

Attractions this year included laser tag, sumo wrestling, archery, owls, a Fun Dog Show, a chance to have your picture taken with a unicorn, animals from Brinsbury College, an Arts & Crafts exhibition , magicians, Punch & Judy and stalls of all sorts. In the main arena Martin Ballam from Xtreme Falconry gave two exciting birds of prey displays and drew attention to the plight of African and Indian vultures and the severe threats to them from poisoning. Big and Little horses Magpie and Billy from Olivant’s Equine Displays gave a delightful performance, and the British Lawnmower Racing Association put their vehicles through their paces. Music and dancing were provided by the Petworth Band, Horsham Bluebelles, Seaford College Jazz Band, Magog Morris and the Weald School.

Another moment of magic came with the flypast of a Spitfire Mk Vb ‘PeterJohn1’ from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, over 70 years on from its active service during the D-Day landings.

Paul Starkey from the Billingshurst Show Organising Committee said: “It was a great day and we were delighted with the large turnout. We think there was plenty for everyone to enjoy, and fortunately the weather was kind to us again after the recent rains.

“I’d like to thank our Principal Sponsors Clarity, Coco’s, Cubitt & West, Fowlers, Gozone, Henry Adams, Prime Stables and Slinfold Golf & Country Club, for their support in helping us stage the show. Thanks also to everyone who helped bring the show together on the day and in the days and weeks beforehand. Special thanks to Pat Homer, who has been a stalwart of the show for many years and who was the brains behind the Spitfire flypast.

“As well as providing a fun day out for everyone, the show is an important fundraising event, and we’re expecting to have raised around £10,000 for local Scouts & Guides and Rotary charities. Now we look forward to next year’s show on Sunday June 25 2017!”