Record crowds for wool fair at Ickworth estate

Record crowds flocked to Ickworth’s wool fair as the estate’s sheep took centre stage.

Almost 3,000 people descended on the event over the weekend - making this year’s fair the most successful since it started three years ago.

The estate has kept sheep for more than 70 years and the fair featured an array of associated activities and demonstratons.

There was a sheep show, sheep dog demonstrations with runner geese and sheep aswell as archery and morris dancers. Stalls offered the chance to snap up wool and there were demonstrations of spinning, felting, knitting and crocheting.

Visitors could also see alpacas, courtesy of Woodbine Alpacas, and one of Ickworth’s shepherds Paul ‘Chap’ Seabrook sheared 30 sheep each day.

Rosie McVey, events and programming officer at Ickworth, said: “It went really well and was the most successful wool fair we’ve had. We had glorious sunshine, great feedbcak from all of our visitors and there was a really nice atmosphere. We’ve had sheep on the estate for more than 70 years and Paul’s father Richard farmed the land so it was a real celebration of Ickworth and its history.”

Upcoming events at Ickworth include shows Much Ado About Nothing (July 3), Romeo and Juliet (August 20) and Proms in the Park with the Bury St Edmunds Concert Band (September 10).

The estate’s wood and craft fair is on October 8 and 9. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth