Fantastic weather. A great location. Loads to see and do. The Rye and District Country Show is always an August highlight. This year was no exception as thousands of visitors enjoyed a perfect day in the countryside on Saturday August 17 at Elm Tree Farm in Icklesham.
The event – which is always on the Saturday before the August bank holiday – will raise thousands of pounds for St Michael’s Hospice.
The dog show was hugely popular, with some owners taking it very seriously and others less so. The horse show saw competition set to a stunning background with Rye church tower in the far distance. There were classic cars on show, rural arts and crafts, displays of farm machinery plus sheep shearing, birds of prey, and animals big and small. Music in the band stand included the Ryebellion Drummers and Pett Slip Buoys.
Keeping a close eye on the day – in fetching hi viz – show chairman Mike Boyd praised everyone who made the day a success. “Our aim is to offer a really good day out for the family at an affordable price, which enables us to support the wonderful work that St Michael’s Hospice does. Last year, the Committee was very proud to have been able to raise over £20,000 for them. None of this would be possible without our team of volunteers, the support of many local businesses and individuals, the exhibitors, and of course the many hundreds of people who come and enjoy the Show. To all of you, many thanks.”
Perdita Chamberlain, income generation director from St Michael’s Hospice, also celebrated months of hard work put into making the show happen. “This year was the perfect show – the sun shone with not a cloud in the sky and visitors turned out in droves to enjoy all that the show had to offer. From a Classic Car show to the horse and dog shows, to a huge variety of trade and craft stalls, a wide range of delicious food and drink, children’s entertainment, live music and the various entertainment displays – truly something to please everyone! A huge thank you from St Michael’s Hospice to everyone who made the event such a tremendous success – it really is a great team effort and one which generates valuable funds for St Michael’s Hospice.”
Rye News has a selection of great photos thanks to Sharon Galliford. You can see many more pictures from this year’s show from Sharon on the Rye & District Country Show Facebook pages.
Put next year’s date in your calendar – Saturday August 16 2025.
Image Credits: Sharon Galliford , Mike Boyd , James Stewart .