MORE than 35,000 people flocked to a farm near Billericay for the 26th Essex Country Show.

Visitors soaked up the sunshine to celebrate farming and rural life at the two-day event, at Barleylands Farm.

The show is a favourite on the county’s calendar and again this year proved just why, offering a bumper crop of fun for visitors.

Demonstrations of traditional crafts and pursuits proved popular with visitors, who could watch demonstrations of spinning, hurdle-making and blacksmithing, along with rarer crafts such as rope splicing and clog-making.

Vehicle fans had a plenty to enjoy, with the return of the action-packed monster trucks and tractor-pulling in the main arena, as well as steam engines and a display of vintage cars.

Vintage farm equipment was in action, too, giving demonstrations of cutting corn, threshing and binding.

Animal-lovers watched demonstrations in sheep shearing and were able to discover more about farming and caring for livestock.

For the first time, the show also featured lurcher racing, which proved a hit with the crowds.

The show also offered helicopter rides, plus 200 trade stands and three marquees with craftsmen and women demonstrating their skills.

Foodies were well catered for, too, with home-made cheeses, pies, meats and sweets available from across the county.