Exhibitor Steve Hayward of Amazing Parties, talking from his Mongolian themed Internet Café said: "We were over-run by hoards of visitors on both days, many thanks to the Lance family for delivering once again." On the Wednesday evening the annual Showman's Directory Dinner was once again a success, as 700 industry professionals let their hair down amidst the resplendent setting created by 21 members of the industry.
On the Thursday, the Showman's Show's first ever auction proved to be a success, with over 60 lots, ranging from a £30,000 marquee through to tables and chairs, coming under the hammer. Auctioneers Jeremy Loveys of Symonds and Sampson led the enthusiastic throng of bidders around the outdoor display of second hand events equipment, he commented: "As this was the first ever auction of this nature conducted in the UK we were not sure how it would be received, but the response was very good and certainly means we expect to be working with the Showman's Show to grow this new feature over the coming years."
With brisk business being conducted in the avenues and exhibition hall on Newbury Showground, the re-introduction of the entertainment arena brought the 'showbiz' feel back to the Showman's Show. Angie Murray kept the four and a half hour program, of 13 acts per day, running smoothly for onlookers, who particularly enjoyed the speed and skills of the Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display team on the ground and gasped at the Jean Monti High Wire Act, performed 180ft above the ground swaying several metres in the Newbury breeze.
Stephen Lance, event director, commented: "This year's Showman's Show has been a great team effort, with some super new ideas being introduced into the exhibition. We have been very impressed by the innovation and professionalism shown by some of our exhibitors this year. It has been a cracking few days and we're already planning to build on this year's success when we return to Newbury on 20 - 21 October 2004."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
