A strong financial position, a jam-packed entertainment line-up and a trade stand sell-out. That was the positive news relayed to members of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA) at the association’s annual general meeting*.

The Royal Cornwall Show will come alive again on the 8th, 9th and 10th June at the Wadebridge showground to celebrate the very best of Cornish farming and showcasing local produce.

Christopher Riddle, RCAA secretary, told the meeting that the show’s commercial appeal shows no sign of abating with “great demand” for trade space which has, yet again, vastly outstripped supply.

A considerable waiting list of hopeful trade exhibitors who were unable to be accommodated are waiting on the side-lines hoping a cancellation might enable them to be part of Cornwall’s largest event in the summer.

“We hate to turn potential trade exhibitors down but we are in a very fortunate position,” he said.

“The agricultural trade area in particular was heavily oversubscribed and we’re pleased that the show continues to be a key fixture on the calendar for the farming community to meet with the manufacturers, suppliers and service providers that serve the industry.”

He outlined a main ring programme which was as exciting and varied as ever. A large scale bird of prey display, performed by falconer Ben Potter, will see majestic eagles and vultures soaring above the crowds. The RAF Falcons parachute team are set to drop in from the skies above on all three days.

For those wanting motorised thrills, the Bolddog Lings will be providing high octane, dare-devil stunts on two wheels in their freestyle motocross show. Slightly slower, but just as much fun will be the Fergie Fillies which will see a group 16 novice female drivers perform a synchronised vintage tractor display.

The Devon & Cornwall Police dog display team will demonstrate how the carry out their important work and military music will be provided this year on the Thursday by the Band of the HM Royal Marines (Plymouth).

Whilst the weather at last year’s show was good, attendance was down slightly as a result of poor weather predictions. Despite this Brian Harvey, of accountants Francis Clark, reported that it was “another successful year for the Association financially” with an overall surplus of £130,000 generated during the 2015/2016 financial year.

Strong financial performance the previous year enabled £125,000 to be reinvested back into maintaining, repairing and upgrading the showground and facilities during the past 12 months. The same figure will be committed to continuing this programme of improvements in the year ahead.

The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro will be succeeded as show president in 2017 by Lady St Levan, who was unanimously elected after being proposed by RCAA Chairman Michael Williams.

Lady St Levan, who lives on St Michael’s Mount, becomes the sixth member of the family to become president of the Royal Cornwall.

Sir Nicholas Bacon becomes president-elect, after being proposed by Sir Ferrers Vyvyan and seconded by RCAA Treasurer, Robert Sloman.

In his role as Lord Warden of the Stannaries, Sir Nicholas Bacon has close ties to the Duchy of Cornwall and current RCAA patron, HRH The Duke of Cornwall.

For more information about this year’s Royal Cornwall Show please visit www.royalcornwall.co.uk.