Skip to content

Falcons return to farming show after bird flu ban

Liz NiceSuffolk
South Suffolk Agricultural Association A close-up of a grey bird of prey, looking to the left of the frame. There are trees and blue sky in the background and the outline of some of the marquees.South Suffolk Agricultural Association
Falconry returned to the South Suffolk Show for the first time in many years after avian flu restrictions were relaxed

The annual South Suffolk Show welcomed the return of poultry and falcons as about 12,500 people braved the grey skies for the event.

The 137th incarnation of the show took place in Ampton near Bury St Edmunds on Sunday.

It welcomed birds for the first time since 2019, thanks to avian influenza restrictions being relaxed just two weeks before the big day.

Show secretary Suzy Stennett said that "even though people had to bring their coats", the committee was "delighted with the high attendance".

The government has said the scale of avian influenza outbreaks in the UK and Europe has been "unprecedented" in recent years.

When a 3km or 10km protection zone is put in place, poultry or other captive birds cannot be moved without a licence.

South Suffolk Agricultural Association Children racing their Shetland ponies across the grass. There are signs and bales in the background. The children are wearing a variety of coloured jockeys' silks.South Suffolk Agricultural Association
The Shetland pony racing team entertained the crowds
South Suffolk Agricultural Association A red-furred cow in a red halter is held tightly by its handler - a young woman with pulled back blonde hair and a white coat.South Suffolk Agricultural Association
There were more than 100 livestock classes to enter

The attractions on display included Shetland pony racing, trick riding from performance horses, quad bike stunts and dog obedience displays.

Visitors could tour more than 200 trade stands, while livestock exhibitors - with cattle, sheep, pigs and horses - competed in over 100 classes.

Stennett said the show committee was delighted with the reaction to an agricultural machinery demonstration in the Grand Ring, which celebrated 100 years of British Sugar.

She continued: "We would like to thank all of the stewards and judges who volunteered their time, without which there would be no show, all of the services and contractors who helped ensure the show ran smoothly, and all of the sponsors for their generous donations to help make the show special as it was."

South Suffolk Agricultural Association A motorcyclist is seen flying a red quad bike over a tractor. There are crowds in the background, and behind them, green trees.South Suffolk Agricultural Association
Stuntman Paul Hannam flew his quad bike over a tractor

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More like this
Related internet links