News

Stafford spectacular pulls a record crowd

This year's National Exhibition, hosted by the Parrot Society UK, proved such a success that plans are already well underway for next year's show.

And Britain's premier sales-and-show day, held at the Staffordshire Show Ground on October 9, which saw more than 6,000 people through the door, has led officials to think long and hard on how they are going to beat it.

Parrot Society secretary Les Rance said: "The society is going to have to put our thinking caps on and think of how we can top this year's show. We had more people attend than we ever have. Without a doubt this year was a success, not only for the Parrot Society but also for all the clubs on the exhibition side of the show."

He continued: "There were so many happy faces, birds were sold to new enthusiasts and we had good weather. For those fanciers who had never been to the show before it was quite impressive."

On the day there were 3250 birds exhibited and more birds on show on 750 tables. Mr Rance said: "The majority of members had nine birds per table, which works out at about 6750 birds at the show. Anyone who attended was able to see the vibrancy of the hobby, and just how many people are interested in it."

The Parrot Society has already booked the showground ready for next year. Mr Rance continued: "I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. This year I was able to get more involved in the exhibition side of the show. Although I know about exhibiting, it is something I haven't been involved with before."

He added: "There are not many days quite like the National Exhibition where fanciers can go for a full day of entertainment and free car parking."

The Parrot Society is now concentrating on its third Help Bird Keepers Show on December 4, to be held at Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford ST18 0BD.

●For more information about the Parrot Society UK, tel: 01442 872245, or visit: www.theparrotsocietyuk.org