Despite early stormy weather, the inaugural Manorbier & District Village Show was a huge success, drawing over 300 attendees for a day of entertainment and community spirit.

The event took place at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier between 1pm and 5pm on Sunday, September 7. On display in the hall were more than 130 entries competing for rosettes in horticulture, art, photography, creative writing, cookery and craft, with many of the most creative entries coming from the children of Manorbier Primary School.

Thanks to the Giraldus Centre’s team of volunteers, it was possible to move all the stalls and games indoors as the rain came down, and fortunately the building was big enough to accommodate everything.

There were stalls selling ceramics, knitted items, plants, books, wooden gifts and handwoven rugs, and all the stallholders said they had a great day, with Lucie Groves’ Manor Bio artisan bakery being the first to sell out of its delicious organic breads and cakes.

Among the traditional games on offer, the Tombola, Guess the Name of the Panda, Guess How Many Sweets in The Jar, and the Human Fruit Machine proved to be the most popular.

During the afternoon, Manorbier’s local choir Cockles & Mussels gave two rousing performances in the hall.

Thankfully the wind and rain turned to bright sunshine just in time for the outdoor events: Wheelbarrow Races around the Community Garden, and the Dog Show - judged by Ceri Cassell and Lisa Evans of Foxcombe Kennels & Cattery in Manorbier.

Jack Russell Coco Cromwell took first place in the Best Fancy Dressed Dog category, with Pops and Andy Groves winning the Dog That Looks Most Like Its Owner, and Bella Booth picking up the first prize rosette for Dog with the Waggiest Tail.

Giraldus Centre Supervisor Deb Roberts said after the event: “It really was so wonderful to see the whole community come together and have such a great time at our first Village Show. We’ve been blown away by all the positive comments on the day and on social media since, but we couldn’t have done any of it without our amazing volunteers, so huge thanks to them all.”

Deb and the team are already looking forward to organising next year’s Village Show, so if you want to get involved, email [email protected] .