A SHOWCASE event at an East Hampshire beauty spot is going to keep growing despite a record-breaking turnout.

The 2017 South Downs Show went “better than well” according to organisers, with around 6,000 people enjoying the weekend event at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP).

The two-day show on the lower slopes of Butser Hill featured a huge array of stalls, trade stands, activities and arena displays.

The atmosphere at the show – the fourth to take place at the site between Petersfield and Clanfield – was calm and cheery, according to chief organiser Terena Plowright.

She said: “It went really well and we had some fantastic feedback from the crowd, as there were smiling faces everywhere.

“It was just a joy and all the volunteers were saying that the smiling faces made them feel that all the hard work they put in before was all worth the effort.

She added: “It was really all about the local community. It’s just a joy to be able to run a show like this for the people in the area and promote the South Downs.”

The show, hosted by QECP, was a big hit with foodies as ‘sold out’ signs appeared on numerous stalls.

The petting zoo was also popular with children, with pigs attracting the most interest according to organisers.

Around 25 community groups were able to take part in the show, thanks to the support of sponsors including Beaver Tool Hire, LMC Self Drive and Winchester Caravans.

“It was definitely the bigger and best show yet but we’re already thinking about next year’s show,” added Terena.

“Lots of people have approached me saying how much they want to get involved next year, but we want to keep it as local as can be.

“We would like to be able to fill the flat bit at QECP but we don’t want to become so big that it starts to attract big companies.

“No offence to them, but we want to showcase local companies like Beaver Tool Hire and LMC Caravans because they’re rooted in the community we’re trying to promote.”