Tens of thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors, and over 400 volunteers headed to the New Forest and Hampshire County Show this week.
The New Park showground in Brockenhurst welcomed huge crowds from Tuesday to Thursday despite the worsening weather and slightly muddy final day.
New events for 2023 included the REME Lightning Bolts Army Parachute Display a ‘Culture in Common’ activity programme.
Many New Forest businesses exhibited at the show including;
- Rose Cottage Drinks
- Beaky Blinders
- New Forest Tea Company
- Brocante antiques
- New Forest Marque
- New Forest Tartan Company
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese Company
- New Forest Shortbread
- Strides New Forest Honey
The Cookery Demonstration Theatre also hosted local companies New Forest Collection, The Pig, The Elderflower, Carey’s Manor Hotel & Senspa and Exclusive Chefs Academy.
During the show, New Forest Collection hotel group were awarded ‘Highly Commended Sustainability Champion’ at the CLA New Forest National Park 2023 Awards.
The hotel group said on LinkedIn: “This recognition is a true testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and our deep-rooted passion for preserving the beauty of the New Forest.
“Together with our dedicated team, amazing guests, and the supportive New Forest community, we are united in our efforts to make a lasting impact.”
New Forest District Council won second place for best large trade stand by partnering with Channel Coastal Observatory to share a ‘Caring for the climate’ message.
Cllr Neville Penman, NFDC Chairman, said: “It was brilliant for us to join with Channel Coastal Observatory and Hampshire County Council’s climate team, to see visitors of all ages getting involved in activities, to think about the New Forest’s precious coastline, and discuss how we can reduce our impact on the environment.”
Editor Kerri L Watt attended the show with New Forest Business News and her team at the new local podcast The Big Biz Show.
Martin Stewart, Chairman of the show, said: “Maintaining this event is our gift for future generations so they too can learn, socialise, trade, compete and exhibit. It truly is a vital part of the make up of this wonderful part of the world.”
The 2022 show saw a record number of attendees as the first event since the global pandemic.
The next New Forest Show will be July 30 to August 01 2024.
Pictured (left to right): Claire Donnelly, Kerri L Watt (New Forest Business News) and Ellis Ferguson from The Big Biz Show.
New Forest Show exhibitor highlights
