Virtual staging of Warkworth Show judged a huge success

Residents baked, photographed, grew, crafted and painted a total of 423 exhibits for Saturday’s show.

The street band Mezze Mundo, who were a sensation at the 2019 show, were instrumental in the opening of the exhibition, as they had written and recorded live a unique song for this special summer show called ‘Wish You Were Here’.

For many, this was the first time they played a part in the exhibition – some perhaps less intimidated by showing their produce through a photographic image posted online.

Tom Pattinson, who has 50 years of experience in judging horticultural shows, praised the quality of the entries in the horticulture category.

He said: “Many families are realising the enjoyment of gardening and the benefit it has to one’s general well-being.”

There was a fantastic response to all groups and classes in the 2020 special schedule, as well as horticulture, with first-rate exhibits in the photography and art classes.

John Percival from Amble, Geoff Elliot from Togston and Tony Cuthbert from Warkworth were among those to showcase some award-winning roses, dahlias and vegetables.

Caitlin and Rebecca Alton went head to head in most of the children’s classes and winning nine and eight rosettes respectively.

Warkworth and Acklington Art Groups have been running on-line painting projects throughout the Covid-19 lockdown and many of their members competed in the Exhibition, although it was Marjorie Firth who was awarded first prize in seven of the 15 classes.

Kate Burnham demonstrated her breadth of skills winning first prizes in baking, handicrafts and the special entry class. Her show day proved even more rewarding by winning 1st prize in the exhibitors draw.

Simon Buist, chairman of the exhibition committee said: “We are really pleased that we have been able to keep the interest in our historic and important local summer show alive during this unprecedented year.

“It would have been all too easy to just cancel the show this year but it has provided a valuable focus for our community.”

A small selection of the hundreds of entries into this year’s exhibition is featured here.

More can be viewed at www.warkworthshow.co.uk

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