THE sun shone and the spectators came out in force for the Weald Park Game & Country Show.
After a week of chillier temperatures, the weather took a turn for the better and helped the inaugural event go with a swing.
Thousands of people turned out for the weekend show to see the animals put on fascinating displays in the two main arenas.
Sheep racing proved a popular attraction, and there was also a chance to see the woolly ones being sheared.
Many of the visitors bought their dogs with them to enjoy the attractive park and a packed programme of dog-themed activities.
Clever canines from organisations including the Essex Flyers and the Hotshot Flyball Team hurtled through tunnels and jumped onto seesaw while daring dogs from the DTCE Dog Display Team leapt through hoops of fire.
Dog owners could also put their own pooches through their paces in the Have a Go dog rings. Alison Wilson and her daughter Emma, 10, from Romford, bought their Labrador-collie cross, Milo, to the show. "We've had a really good day," Alison said. "We've watched some of the dog displays which are great and we might try to set up our own obstacle course in the garden when we get home."
Animal lovers were spoilt for choice as there was also a fun falconry display featuring owls and other birds of prey, while youngsters got the chance to hold a newborn chick or furry ferret, or even pat a Shetland pony.
Fans of fine, home-grown food were in for a treat too as the weekend was packed with cookery demonstrations and stalls. Seasonal Suffolk Foragers told the crowd the best ways to cook with foraged food, Clairy Fairy Cakes showed how to make beautiful cupcakes, and their was beer tasting and a talk courtesy of Sloefoot Brewery.
Children also enjoyed gingerbread workshops, where they got to decorate and eat the spicy cookies for just £1.
Friends Jade Smith, from the Isle of Dogs, and Clare Walker from Collier Row, also had fun at the show. "It's been a really good day," Jade said. "We've bought some sausages and cupcakes which are lovely. The dog shows are great and we've seen the owls and falconry display. We would definitely come back next year."
There was Medieval fun too, as knights jousted and stalls sold leather pouches, hand-crafted wooden bowls, tankards and goblets. Visitors could also try their hand at archery and making their own coins.
Other entertainment was provided by musicians throughout the day, including Jessica Hammond from Team Jessie J on TV show The Voice. Children from local theatre schools and ladies from the Alimah Belly Dancing School added to the fun.
Youngsters were kept busy with a variety of children's attractions including giant swings, zorbing, a huge inflatable slide and donkey rides.
