This year’s Chale Show was the busiest ever with over 13,000 people attending the family fun day out across the weekend – a record-breaking figure for the show in its 94th year.
After a 3-year absence, the Chale Show bounced back as the sun shone down on the Isle of Wight. A gentle breeze rolling over the clifftop made for idyllic conditions for those visiting the Recreation Ground site off Military Road.
The annual event is always a firm favourite and this year was no exception, with the Island’s largest horticultural competition attracting not only a strong number of entries but thousands of admirers of the many different classes too; from onions to Lego, photography to flowers.
Many different main arena acts entertained the strong crowds across the 2 days with Ollie Phillips Equestrian Display, a traditional steam up, marching bands, children’s races and of course entertainer David Randini all featuring on the line-up. Over in the 2nd arena, Extreme Bike Battle proved popular with all ages and the Sunshine music stage didn’t disappoint with its wide range of local artists performing.
Away from the live action, the variety of market stalls and traders caught the interests of show-goers, along with the local produce marquee. The children were content with the many different fairground rides on offer and the giant bouncy castle slide.
Andrew Woodford, Show Manager, has told Island Echo:
“It was definitely a record-breaking year for us with around 13,000 people attending across the 2 days.
Article continues below this advertisement “Everything just came together to make for the perfect event. The good weather and the good timing of the show, which is spaced out between other Island events, made for an attractive offering to Islanders and holidaymakers seeking an affordable, fun day out.
“It’s been a tough few years due to the cancellation of the show in 2020 and 2021 and now with rising costs, but this year’s bumper event has been a great success and ensures we can return again for our 95th show in 2023”.
