THIS year marks the 90th anniversary of the celebrated Bourne Show which this year takes place on the Bourne Green in Lower Bourne on Saturday, July 15.

The first show took place in 1927, where according to the Bourne School records, Empire Day was celebrated annually on May 24 and in 1927, a ‘School Sports Day’ took place in the afternoon in lieu of the usual half-day holiday. 

The event was rated ‘very successful’ and was followed by tea for the children, parents and school managers.

The ‘Bourne Sports and Flower Show’ is first mentioned in an extensive report in the Farnham Herald, dated July 20, 1951, when the event was held on the ‘recreation ground’ as part of the nation’s celebrations of the Festival of Britain.

Centre stage at this year’s show is the grand marquee, home to an impressive array of entries to the arts and crafts, and home produces classes. Equally impressive are the flower arranging entries on display in St Martin’s Church.

The vintage car show will also be taking place, starting with a Saturday morning drive for the car owners before returning to the Green for visitors to enjoy the vehicles. The drive starts at The Fox pub at 10.30am.

A wide range of food stalls will offer a selection of lunchtime treats, complementing the teas provided by the Bourne WI and barbecue and refreshments at the cricket pavilion.

Other attractions will include Punch & Judy shows, teddy bear competition, climbing wall, music from the Alder Valley Brass Band, football competition, morris men, mini fairground and the infamous dog show.

The day will end with a barn dance in the grand marquee, a ticketed event where the community gathers to celebrate another successful show.

The Fox pub and Marshall Eaton will be the principle sponsor for the 2017 Bourne Show.