THOUSANDS of people took advantage of the bank holiday sunshine to attend the 99th edition of the Corsley Show on Monday.

From 10.30am, visitors came from across the country to see the show ground event at Corsley Heath, for a day of horticultural displays, the Moles Brewery Championship tug of war, vintage car displays and much more.

Whilst that rumbled on, at the bottom of the field, a whole host of horse riding shows took place, where riders, young and old, showcased their ability, weaving in and out of obstacles and hurdling over the jumps with ease.

Lil Watson, 12, from Trowbridge, said: “I just completed the obstacle course with my horse Freya. Both of us are doing our first show together and I am really happy with how it all went.

“Hopefully this can be the start of a long and happy partnership. I was really excited to be part of this great event and I hope to be back with Freya next year.”

Leah Fricker, seven, from Market Lavington, added: “It has been great riding with my rescued horse Ziggy. We have done quite a lot of shows and it is really cool being here for the Corsley Show. I am really enjoying it.”

In addition to the tractor rides across the show ground, Tractor Ted, the little green tractor, proved to be a huge hit, giving attendees a chance to take on its climbing wall, bouncy castle and meet some of his fluffy animal friends too.

“Everyone has really taken to us being here. We have made a lot of people go home happy. This is a fantastic event and one that a lot of people are really taking to,” said Sarita Lovell of Tractor Ted.

Spirits were high in the horticulture and craft tent, where people excitedly showed off their entries that included fruit, vegetables and cakes among other things.

“I have been very impressed with the exhibits, particularly the dahlia and floral art displays,” said chairman Fraser Mills.

“There has been a wonderful energy about the place. It is great to see people put so much into this. Next year is the 100th Corsley Show and we want to make it spectacular so if people can get involved early that would be superb.”

Adrian Sidwell, of Radstock, added: “I have brought two of my Ford Opus cars, one of just 20 or so left, to the wonderful Corsley Show. It is great to see young and old ask questions about these cars that were made decades ago in the Corsley Garage. Shows like this help keep this car alive.”

There were also egg and spoon races, sack races, three-legged races, dog shows, stalls, an inflatable assault course and Frome Town Archers gave people a chance to try and emulate Robin Hood with bow and arrow sessions.

“My favourite bit was the Smash Bash Piano Trash Teams who crushed pianos into really small pieces before squishing them into a letterbox,” said Braydon Lygo Baker, 10, from Milton Keynes.

“It was really fun to see and I like how all of it got destroyed. It was really cool.”

Violet Coverley, five, from Chippenham, added: “I have had an awesome time. It is really hot but it is so much fun being here.”

In the evening an after party show took place from 7-11pm, with live music from a host of local talent.