Suffolk Show 2023 in Trinity Park, Ipswich: All the best from day one and what to expect in day two

The first day of the Suffolk Show kicked off yesterday, with thousands of people turning up to enjoy the day’s events.

Despite heavy traffic during the morning, the show’s events at Ipswich’s Trinity Park went on unimpeded, displaying the best and brightest of Suffolk, from tradespeople to emergency services, to farmers and livestock – and lots of delicious food.

Unlike the downpours of last year, the weather remained stable, but overcast, throughout.

Here’s a rundown of the day’s events, and what you can expect during day two.

Doors opened at 7am and events ran on until 6.30pm.

Highlights from day one included show jumping at the Collins Grand Ring, Broke FMX and Freestyle Motocross and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team at 5pm.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service taught attendees how they perform animal rescues with a Unimog; Suffolk Highways showed people how to paint road markings; and visitors could take a trip back in time in the iconic TARDIS or forwards in a DeLorean – or even view state-of-the-art farming equipment.

An entire tent was dedicated to providing information on Sizewell C, and the event also attended by MPs, with both Jo Churchill and Therese Coffey present.

Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and President-elect of the Suffolk Show, will enjoy a packed two days.

He, alongside his wife, Rev Canon Jutta Brueck, spent yesterday greeting visitors to the Church of England’s marquee, and will continue to do so throughout today’s festivities.

The couple’s other duties include judging the art show, handing out various awards, and watching events including the RAF Falcons parachute display team, the Red Devils parachute display, and viewing the cattle, sheep, pig and goat display.

Bishop Martin said he first attended the show in 2015, and described it as the ‘best introduction to the county’ he could have asked for.

He added: “As well as fun, the show is a place to learn, whether it is about farming and animals, gardening, skills and crafts, the latest communications technology, or what it is like to ride in a flight simulator, there is no shortage of opportunities to soak up new knowledge.

“At the heart of the show is farming – the land, food, animals, the cycle of the seasons. We are in touch with the natural world, with the rhythms of life on which our lives depend. I believe the show is not just fun and a place to learn, but nourishment for our souls too.”

Paramedic science teams from the University of Suffolk offered training in life-saving techniques and visitors could get to know NHS staff as Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals has their own tent.

Several businesses and charities, including Healthwatch Suffolk, Vertas and Tuckwells, also attended and dozens of stalls offered a taste of the best the county has to offer.

More than 100 free activities are on offer across the two days, which offer the chance to get up-close and personal with farm animals, sample the best food from the region, try a virtual reality experience, or even become a DJ.

Kids could drive a mini-digger, witness a grand parade of the county’s finest farm animals, climb a huge combine harvester, extract DNA from a Strawberry or even play a variety of sports.

The second day kicks off this morning, and the timetable is jam-packed with events, including the Red Devils Parachute Display Team, a tug of war event, pig and goat judging, two more rounds of the Shetland Pony Grand National, and the prestigious long service awards.

Doors once again open at 7am and events will run on until 6pm.