Ashwell Show
A History of Ashwell Show 1890 to ??
Ashwell Show is held every August Bank Holiday Monday
The first Ashwell and District Flower Show we know of was held on Elbrook Grounds in 1890. The next year it gained an Athletics section but always had more attractions including a Brass Band Competition and dancing in the evening. This probably run until 1896 but was reformed for a further six years in 1901.
Although there were Fetes in the Bury over the years and especially to raise funds during WWI the next mention of an event that was big enough to take place in both Elbrook and the Bury was not until 1923. This ‘Ashwell Fete’ included a mounted gymkhana and Hunter and Cart show. By 1925 it was called ‘Ashwell Show’ and added the attractions of tennis, stalls and dancing later in the day. By 1926 it came to be called ‘Ashwell Show’ but in 1927 the Bank Holiday Fete was promoting the Church Restoration Fund – the tower was being repaired. In 1928 the main attraction was a Motorcycle Gymkhana. There is no mention of a Show in 1929 but the next year in addition to the Flower Show and Sports the Henlow RAF Band were hired to provide entertainment.
In 1931 there was a display by the Metropolitan Mounted Police but although entertaining it proved too costly and early the next year the committee were pondering whether to go ahead after the loss of £12. However all was not lost as the Ashwell Fete and Flower Show went ahead at Elbrook House Grounds on August Bank Holiday Monday with the usual attractions. Top of the bill was Ralleano, the strongest boy in the world, who will hold a 4-seater car on his chest and pull a car with his teeth. And although there was a torrential thunderstorm between 3 and 4.30 it was a great success.
After the Second World War it was revived again and developed into the Horse Show and Gymkhana with all its associated attractions that we know today.
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