WITH ten days to go until the return of Thurrock's ever-popular Orsett Show, Nub News begins the first of a number of articles about the borough's biggest family event.

To start, we take a look back in time. Did you know that this festival dates back to 1841?  

The Show's origins are around ploughing matches held by the Orsett Agricultural Association and Labourers Friend Society just over 150 years ago – so it's been a staple event for the people of Thurrock for longer than the Queen has been alive!  

By 1926, the annual Orsett Show was in full swing, with events including horse driving and leaping, dairy cattle, music from Stanford Town Band and catering supplied by Harrods. However, just over 10 years later, the show had to be cancelled due to the announcement of World War Two just three days earlier.  

But by 1946 the show was back! This time with the addition of horse and pig sections as well as the Horticultural show. In 1948, the Thurrock Gazette reported 8,000 people in attendance, with around 590 cars.  

Throughout the following years, the Orsett Estate was sold and the land at Orsett Hall was sold. The Orsett Show acquired the new site in Rectory Road to provide the event with a permanent show ground and its regular date of the first Saturday in September.  

Through the years, the attractions at the Show may have changed but the ethos of providing a great day for the family and introducing rural activities in a largely urban area remains the focus.The opportunity to see livestock, agricultural displays, steam engines, learn to tie knots and make bird feeders are just some of the rural activities available.  

Families can also enjoy 21stcentury activities such as all the fun of the fairground, Orsett Show's Got Talent and the main arena display of Stuntworld (motorbike display team)that all make for a unique day out. 

This year marks the 114th Orsett Show, so get the family rallied up on Saturday, 3 September to experience the show.   

To purchase tickets online ahead of the day, visit https://orsettshow.co.uk/