The Hadleigh Show is back after a two year break and despite huge rising costs, a field full of challenges, avian flu, and a relative lack of experience, the man in charge has no problems getting off to sleep.

In typically stoic farmer fashion, the first time show director Luke Burdall Goodchild has met every negative with a positive approach and is confident the 181st Hadleigh Show tomorrow will be a success.

It helps that preparations at the Holbeck's Park show ground is ahead of schedule, tickets are selling well and the weather forecast is good.

"I'm sleeping well," insisted Luke. "It was a bit unsetting a couple of weeks ago but we have an amazing team here and that has made it easier."

Amusements being set up (Picture credit: Hadleigh Nib News)

There will be around 200 volunteers on duty tomorrow, and in the build up a hard core of nearly have helped setting up with only all year round, full time secretary Tory Dugsden, who is a mainstay at the Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association (HFAA}, which runs the show.

"We have big team of very enthusiastic volunteers," said Luke. "There is a great team spirit and it is good fun

"The big challenge is always finding enough stewards new food each year to cover all the bases and get chance for much and breaks.

The HFAA is hoping enough people from the anticipated 12,000 to 15,000 spectators will be inspired to volunteer for next year's show.

"We have all ages, all types some have done it nearly 50 years, others it is a first time, hopefully more will replace those that won't be here next year," Luke added.

Sheep getting ready to dance {Picture credit: Hadleigh Nub News)

Even without any poultry, due to the Avian Flu outbreak, Luke is confident the vast array of events, stands, amusements and traditional tents will prove value for money after being forced to increase prices from 2019.

He said: "The dancing sheep always good fun, as are the sheep dogs, archery, and the motocross with their daredevil stunts.

"We also have the Suffolk and Norfolk combined police dog unit for the first time, I'm looking to seeing how the catch the bad guy and sniff out things people should not have."

In traditional style, vintage tractors will be on display, the show will host a fam machinery demonstration where straw is baled and collected at harvest time along with a wide range of activities with an emphasis of rural and countryside pursuits.

There are also shopping aisles, an educational tent to teach children how food comes from farm to fork.

In addition there will be an art show, a flower show, a cooking demonstration along with a food tent roasting a wide range of delicacies and of course the ever popular beer tent.

Hadleigh Show preparations ahead of schedule (Picture credit: Hadleigh Nub News)

The farm machinery supplier from Boxford was quick to emphasise the importance of having the show back for county town like Hadleigh, and the support offered by the farming and business community.

"It is really important to have this back in our market town," said Luke. "It has been sorely missed by many, including myself, so it is great to see it back

"I have to admit there were times over the past couple of years when we wondered if it would every come back, or we would be allowed to gather as such big crowd.

"It looks like we are the right side of things now and, many local businesses have wanted to get involved."

With an average increase in putting on the show going gone up by 30% from three years ago, that backing has proved invaluable.

Co-incidentally wearing a Chapman Stickels short for this interview. Luke added: "We are very grateful to all our sponsors, especially this year when as everyone will know, costs have soared.

"They have helped enormously and we appreciate that. Unfortunately that is why we had to increase prices this year.

"We are not for profit and whatever we have as a surplus after playing out for cost and reserves, then we donate that to charity."

A range of 10 different charities, with based in the Hadleigh area and nationally, are in line to benefit of the show makes a surplus after costs and paying back their reserves.

Robert Chapman with iconic map (Picture credit: Hadleigh Nub News)

One of those total sponsors is Chapman Stickels, a Hadleigh bases estate agents.

"Chapman Stickels are delighted to support the Hadleigh Show," said partner Robert Chapman. "As the towns main event of the year it is natural that we should be part of it.

"Having missed two years through the wretched Covid pandemic there is tremendous anticipation and we look forward to welcoming clients and friends to our stand next to the Art Show opposite the Main Ring."

Spectators have been warned diversions will be in place and the road between Duke Street and Tinkers Lane to allow people to walk from the town safely.

For tickets and more details go to the Hadleigh Show website here.