IN PICTURES: Entertainments that have delighted crowds over the years at the East of England Showground

Crowds of many hundreds of people would regularly make their way to the Showground to enjoy a day out – or an evening - at attractions that varied from the regional festival of antiques through to the annual Fireworks Fiesta and the monster vehicles of Truckfest.

It all started to come to an end in 2023 as the venue owners, the East of England Agricultural Society, announced that the events were no longer making money and the charity was looking for new ways to meet its aims.

Our collection of photographs takes a look back in time to some of those events that also included the MCN Festival of Motorcycling, the National Motorhome and Caravan exhibition, pop concerts and much more with the venue occasionally visited by the then Prince Charles

However, the pictures also give an indication of what might return to the part of the East of England Showground in the next year.

For following the rejection by councillors last year of plans for a 1,500 home and leisure village on the Showground, plans are now being drawn up to return a 50 acre site to traditional leisure attractions.

East of England Showground Services (SGS), part of AEPG which has a 20 year lease on the part of the Showground, has just launched a public consultation to find out what entertainments the public might wish to see return.

The move has been welcomed by Colin Ward, managing director of Live Promotions Events, which staged the Truckfest events.

He said: “Not being able to use the East of England Showground has been a huge loss.

"But it would not be difficult to pick up again.

"Promoters pay for such venues which would mean instant proven investment.

“The space is there which is the most important thing, and the road network and the signage is still in place.”

However, the return of elite speedway racing to the East of England Showground looks unlikely.

The track and associated facilities used by the popular and successful Peterborough Panthers racing team for 50 years, were sited on the part of the Showground not included in the AEPG lease.

Ashley Butterfield, chief executive of AEPG, said: “The Grandstand area used for speedway is not part of the area leased by East of England Showground Services.

"The East of England Agricultural Society control that area and they can be contacted by email on [email protected]”

The Society has been approached for a response.