CURDRIDGE Country Show will go ahead, say organisers, despite a recent traveller encampment on the site.

The travellers’ fleeting visit has delayed preparations, but the event will still take place this Saturday (July 16).

Elaine Flower, who chairs the show committee, said: “We have received quite a few calls asking if the show is still on and we have reassured everyone that it is.”

She added: “We respect the right of all people to live their lives in the way they want to, but we have rights as well.

“The Curdridge Show is a fantastic example of all the people in a tiny village pulling together and investing a great deal of time and money to put on a show that many other people from all over Hampshire can enjoy.”

She said proceeds will be used to maintain Curdridge Reading Rooms, which serves as the village hall and is a registered charity.

“Our charity needs the funds from the show for very necessary repairs and renovations of the building, and we have all pulled together to make sure it can go ahead,” she added.

The event is being held for the 55th time, having originally been known as Curdridge Horticultural Show.

Keeping to its roots, the programme includes plenty of vegetable, produce and flower contests.

Other attractions include Falconhigh birds of prey displays, Hamble-based St Andrew’s Pipe Band, and the Bark-Rite Dog Agility Display Team.

Younger visitors can also enjoy Shetland pony rides or try out the YMCA climbing wall and the bungee trampoline. There will also be food and craft stalls along with demonstrations on keeping bees.

The show will run from 11am to 5pm and will be held in Reading Room Lane, Curdridge.

For more details visit www.curdridgeshow.co.uk or call 07722 787338.