THOUSANDS of people flocked to an agricultural show in Usk today.

Held every year since 1844, Usk Show features livestock, show jumping, tractors, a charity dog show, demonstrations and competitions and draws more than 20,000 visitors a year.

The event celebrating the very best of Monmouthshire farming and rural life also had more than 300 stalls, vintage tractors and a steam corner.

Show secretary Faye Mear, 40, said: “It’s gone really smoothly. 

“We had good crowds coming with the early morning sunshine.

“Everybody has been having a lovely day so far.”

The show opened in the main ring at 8am with judges assessing Welsh pony and cobs and show jumping events began at 9am.

Main ring commentator Barry Butcher, 58, said: “There has been a very good turnout, more people than there were last year. 

“I’m delighted people are supporting the show.”

Demonstrations started in the countryside ring from 10.30am.  

The organisers welcomed back sheepdogs for a special display called the Runner Pack, as well as regular contributors from Black Mountain Falconry, Rowan Working Horses and Usk Valley Working Gundogs.

The fun-packed event had something for everyone young and old, including a vintage tractor parade, as well as a vintage machinery demonstration by the Ferguson Club. 

New to entertain the little ones this year was Junkfish, a dedicated marquee where children enjoyed making a wonderful range of 'make and take' activities for free.

There were also funfair type rides suitable for children.

Little Amber Barley, five, of Newport, joined a young handlers’ class with a Texel sheep called Tilly.

Chepstow mum Melanie Saunders came with her relatives. Her family have attended the show for four decades.

Mrs Saunders, 40, said: “We’ve just been wandering around.

“The sheepdogs were quite good. My son rides ponies and does show jumping.”

Usk Farmers Club members brought their cattle, sheep and pigs to the 100-acre site near the village of Gwernesney just outside Usk to compete in the agriculture section.

Meanwhile, many families brought their dogs to take part in competitions.

Throughout the morning people browsed the food and clothes stalls and trade stands and checked out the livestock as they are prepared for exhibiting and watch the judging. 

Despite long queues at the entrance and occasional downpours visitors soaked up the atmosphere and seemed to have a good time.

The main ring had special historical displays of horse riders wearing outfits from 1865 and the 17th century.

Another turned out wearing traditional Scottish Highland dress from the Royal House of Stewart.

Besides a thriving horse show and the show jumping competitions, visitors could also get close to animals including goats, poultry and rabbits.

The main ring attraction this year was set to be horse drawn carriages from the Powys Carriage Driving Group.

On the programme was also a traditional parade of hounds courtesy of the Curre and Llangibby Hunt.

Other displays were set to include the Grand Parade of Livestock and Horses and pony clubs’ mounted games.