THE sun shone, bands played, and a good time was had by all – that’s the word of the organisers of this year’s Littleton and Harestock Show.

With a record number of tickets sold - around 3,000 - there was nothing short of smiling faces as families made their way around the arena at Littleton Recreation Ground.

The traditional English show included flower displays, craft exhibits, tea and cake, a climbing wall, circus whizz, junior football competition, giant Scalextric, airgun firing range, other games and stalls, including the TS Itchen Sea Cadets.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Pictured: Charlotte Day and Elsa Williams of the TS Itchen Sea Cadets

Bert Spencer, chairman of the Littleton and Harestock Show Society, said the highlight was a stirring performance by the Band of Bugles of the Rifles, led by their Director of Music, Major Lawrence Sale.

“One attendee said they often hear them practising but don’t often get the chance to see them perform,” he said.

“They were great. What most attendees did not realise that due to a transport problem, the band had walked from Sir John Moore Barracks to give its performance!”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Pictured: The arena at Littleton Recreation Ground

The show, on Saturday, September 6, also featured the much-anticipated Flower Show and hobbies marquee, and Mr Spencer said the prizes and 31 cups were keenly contested.

He added: “Another great favourite at our show for several years has been the Barton Stacey Trad Jazz Band, and they were on fine form.

“The day went very well, it was a nice, sunny afternoon, and lots of people came along. Attendees were still milling around at six o’clock, an hour after the official closing time.”

But the fun wasn’t just had at the weekend, the Pet Show was held on Thursday, September 4, with a total of 28 prizes awarded to dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and ever-popular guinea pigs.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Pictured: Inside the Pet Show marquee

Lynda Murphy, of the society and ran the show, said it was a roaring success.

“The children always really enjoy it,” she said, “and there is always a great turn out. We raised over £500 which was great.”

The money will go to the show’s beneficiaries this year, which are the Littleton Church Room Project, which needs £130,000 to complete an extension and refurbishment at St Catherine’s Church Rooms, and parish playground refurbishment at Bradley Road and Littleton.

Mr Spencer said: “It is too early to know the financial result for the day, too many bills are still awaited, but we hope to be able to make a worthwhile contribution to our two beneficiaries.”