NEXT year’s West Show will have a lot to live up to, according to the organisers.

Dave Lowe takes down one of the marquees now the show is over. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0622964)

The L’Eree showground was packed with people and entertainment over the two-day event.
The annual pageant attracted a huge crowd and a larger number of animals than in previous years kept the children happy.
‘I haven’t had the figures yet, but Thursday afternoon was surprisingly busy,’ said show manager Bob Place.
‘The weather was good and it turned out beautiful. It was an excellent turnout and I think we did well.’
The show came to a close on Thursday evening with Flare Fire entertainments. Mr Place said this year’s performances started later than usual, which kept the crowds amused throughout the day.
The pageant took inspiration from a fete held in 1907 at Saumarez Park, with people dressed in original costume, and included Scottish, Irish and traditional Guernsey dancers.
Temporary wooden houses were constructed, each representing England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Jersey, with the last catching fire during the performance, much to the delight of the local crowd.
‘The pageant for visitors who come for the first time is quite different,’ said Mr Place.
‘For the locals they expect to see almost the same thing. But they would be very disappointed without it. It was well done. How the organisers come up with the themes every year astounds me.
‘The fact that the event was spread out over a wide area made a better show this year. It made it a lot more interesting for people.’