June 24th 2024.
This year's Royal Highland Show was a huge success, with a whopping 220,000 people in attendance and a total of £3.3 million generated. The demand was so high that Friday and Saturday tickets were completely sold out, with a 2.5% increase in general ticket sales compared to last year's numbers. In fact, there were even more people at the show than at Taylor Swift's recent concerts, which was quite an impressive feat.
The show was not just about numbers and profits, but also about the vibrant atmosphere and diverse entertainment it offered. The Royal Highland Hoolie, a toe-tapping event featuring country and folk music, drew in over 9,000 attendees on Friday and Saturday evenings. The lineup included talented artists like Tide-Lines from Scotland and Irish singer Derek Ryan, making it a truly memorable experience for all.
One of the most prestigious awards of the show, the Queen's Cup, was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself. This cup, given in 1960 to commemorate the Queen's presidency of the Royal Highland Show, was awarded to the Dairy Section this year. The Laird family was the proud recipient of this coveted prize for the second year in a row, a remarkable achievement that has only been accomplished by two other families in the past.
The show also welcomed a whopping 6,000 livestock, including 2,500 participants from all over the UK as well as visitors from countries as far as Australia and Argentina. The Sir William Young Award, named after the late Sir William Young and given to those who have made exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding, was presented to Bill P Bruce. Another notable award, the John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy, was awarded to Catherine Marshall for her outstanding contribution to heavy horse showing and breeding. It was heartwarming to see Catherine attend the show with her daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and even her great-granddaughter, who attended her very first show at just eight months old.
The Royal Highland Show also made sure to include the younger generation by offering free entry for children under 15. Over 21,311 children took advantage of this opportunity and attended the show over the course of the four days. David Tennant, the Head of Show for RHASS, expressed his delight at the show's success, stating that it was a joy to see people from different generations and backgrounds come together to celebrate their achievements and create new memories.
Tennant also acknowledged the success of the show's ticketing strategy, which was implemented in 2022 and has now produced a record £3.3 million in gross ticket sales. With more tickets available to the general public than ever before, it was fantastic to see such a strong demand and response.
The Royal Highland Show was truly a team effort, with everyone from members, exhibitors, and competitors to staff and members of the public playing a crucial role in its success. It was an unforgettable event, and Tennant expressed his gratitude to all who contributed and made it possible. Super early-bird tickets for next year's show are already on sale, so be sure to grab them quickly!
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