THE Wiltshire Game & Country Fair saw a drop in attendance because of the scorching hot weather over the weekend.

Around 10,000 people visited the two-day event at the Bowood House estate at Derry Hill near Calne on Saturday and Sunday.

Organiser Mark Hume, a co-director of Living Heritage Events Ltd, said: “The event was obviously affected by the weather, with visitor numbers 50 per cent down on what we had last year.

“Everyone wanted to come out last year after the Covid-19 pandemic but we still had around 10,000 visitors over the two days.

“We opened the gates earlier because of the hot weather and many people came earlier and left earlier but some stayed all day and were still there at 4pm and 5pm.

“We took all the precautions to keep the animals cool by keeping them in the shade and providing plenty of water.

“Some of the events in the main arenas were cut down in duration so they weren’t going on for too long. Everything was done sensibly.”

It seemed some visitors didn’t mind the traditional game and country fair was not quite as packed as some held in previous years.

One visitor, Karen King, said: “Everything started earlier so we were there from 9am to mid-day and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

“Have to say it was wonderful to see it back and in full swing like before Covid. The main arena is much bigger, which is brilliant.

“All the animals were being well tended and had plenty of water everywhere and in the arenas too. Constantly being washed down and in the shade when not in the arena.

“Down by the lake the dog arenas were all in the shade bar the water one, but then the dogs jumped into the lake, which must have been so refreshing.

“Everything was done to keep any/all animals cool and comfortable. The organisers had and were doing a marvellous job. They cannot predict the weather months in advance.

“We were happy to see loads of people turn up and support the event. Ok, so it wasn’t as packed with people as normal but, to be honest, I rather liked that.”

Among the locals taking part were Melksham’s Bryan Willison with his handmade walking sticks, and Calne businesswoman Becky Lions with her Pawssome Buddy Boxes of dog food, and the Holland family from Devizes, who enjoyed the traditional fairground carousel ride.