AN historic community show returned to celebrate major success once again.

The Four Colnes Show celebrated its 141st outing as it made its grand return to Earls Colne on Saturday.

Four Colnes Horticultural Society secretary Sarah Adlem was full of praise for this year’s event.

Halstead Gazette: ALL SMILES: The Horticultural Show was a big successALL SMILES: The Horticultural Show was a big success (Image: Steve Knight)

She said: “The horticultural show was really good.

“The level of entries was up by about 70 per cent on last year with well over 600 people so we are really pleased with that from the horticultural society perspective.

Halstead Gazette: EAT YOUR GREENS: The veg bench at the showEAT YOUR GREENS: The veg bench at the show (Image: Steve Knight)

“There was a really good atmosphere at the whole event as we had lots of stalls and community groups represented.

“The dog show was really popular as it always is and there were also karate and tennis displays.

Halstead Gazette: VIBRANT COLOURS: There were an array of flowers on displayVIBRANT COLOURS: There were an array of flowers on display (Image: Steve Knight)

“The weather was lovely the whole time and we had some great entertainment in the evening when the Rec Club put on free music.

“All in all it was a really good community day and one of the best-attended ones I have seen in the last decade or so.

“Thank you to the committee and members of the horticultural society, the rec club management and team, everyone at Percival and Company and everyone else who helped and came along."

Halstead Gazette: COLD AS ICE: The ice cream van was popular on the warm dayCOLD AS ICE: The ice cream van was popular on the warm day (Image: Sue Freear)

Earls Colne Recreational Club manager Sue Freear added: “It was a fantastic day, helped by the amazing weather.

“We had businesses, clubs and groups come together, supported by the community.

Halstead Gazette: PACKED OUT: Thousands came along to enjoy the annual eventPACKED OUT: Thousands came along to enjoy the annual event (Image: Sue Freear)

“We estimate about 2,000 to 2,500 people which was fabulous.

“It was a lot of hard work from the Four Colnes Horticultural Society to organise the exhibition in the hall, while the Earls Colne Recreation Club and Percival and Company Estate Agents put together the outside event.

Halstead Gazette: WATCHING ON: Guests enjoying the karate display on the fieldWATCHING ON: Guests enjoying the karate display on the field (Image: Sue Freear)

“We all worked brilliantly as a team and we're thrilled with the positive feedback. 

“We are now gearing ourselves up for the Colnes Food and Drink Festival.”

Those interested in finding out more about or joining the Four Colnes Horticultural Society can contact Sarah Adlem at secretary.fchs@outlook.com or visit fourcolneshorticulturalsociety.com.