After 18 tumultuous months, over 25,000 visitors at The Bath & West Country Festival last weekend had a hundred reasons to smile and look forward to the future.

The unique event featured many elements of the Royal Bath & West Show, such as the Main Ring, Main Lawn, Woodland and Countryside Arena, and Food & Drink Hall; and organisers introduced new elements such as Lakeside Farm, Canine Corner, and one of the highlights of the Festival – The Greenwood Stage. The many acts which performed on the Stage and elsewhere in the showground throughout the three days, such as The Leylines, Blues Brothers tribute band 'Blues Others'; and 5-piece covers band Livewired gave the event a true festival vibe; aided by the retro and Spanish street food, pizza, and curry on offer at the many stalls. The sunny weather added to the festival feel, and the Greenwood Stage was especially busy on Friday and Saturday evening with visitors eating, dancing and enjoying themselves after so many months of lockdown.

As always there were some well-known faces amongst the crowd including MP Rebecca Pow, NFU President Minette Batters and, in a situation you would not expect to find him in, actor Martin Clunes on the back of a quadbike in the Main Ring with the Paul Hannam Stunt Show.

Everyone involved with the Festival, from visitors to traders, performers to competitors, stewards and Bath & West staff, welcomed the event and agreed that it was a success. Comments on social media included: "Both my son and I went today, and we had a brilliant time. Thanks for all the hard work that went in to produce a wonderful show. Lots of amazing memories for me and my boy. Can't wait for next year." (Emma); and "We have a busy week with our trade stand and showing our heavy horse and it's been a pleasure to be here the last 3 days. Can't wait for next year" (Lisa).

Alan Lyons, Head of Shows, said: "On behalf of everyone at the Bath & West, I would like to thank all those who purchased tickets for the Bath & West Country Festival 2021, particularly after a very challenging 18 months. The money from people's tickets allows the Bath & West Society to continue to support their charitable objectives, which includes awarding grants and scholarships for the promotion of agriculture and rural crafts."

There is no rest for the hard-working team at the Bath & West though: their attention now turns to the Dairy Show on 6th October; before preparations begin for the return of the Royal Bath & West Show 2nd-4th June 2022.