Rotherhaw Show sees bumper turnout

The much-needed morale booster for the town in the wake of the child grooming scandal went ahead without interruption and spirits were high in the field, despite Saturday’s wet start.

Saturday’s figures were down 20 per cent on last years with 20,000 through the gates, but the Sunday sunshine ensured 5,000 more people than 2013 joined the Sunday fun with 45,000 people through the gates.

The Clifton Park extravaganza retained its crown as the largest free show in the north of England, and the Mayor of Rotherham, councillor John Foden, said it was a chance to show people “what we can do”.

Cllr Foden said he was “a bit worried what to expect in the present climate” and noted that there had been a few negative comments directed at him.

But he added: “Regardless of that it’s about the community.

“Once again it’s been a fantastic show as ever, it’s nice to see people coming along with families and friends enjoying themselves, it’s all about the community — showing people what we have got, all the good stuff.”

See Friday’s Advertiser for a full report and four pages of pictures.