The Greatest Show

Now in its 143rdyear, the annual Driffield Show has cemented its place as one of the biggest and most popular one-day agricultural shows in the country, attracting tens of thousands of visitors with a winning formula that celebrates both the traditional and the future.

Members of the farming community, families and anyone interested in a good value day out flock to the Driffield Showground site for one day in July every year, which this year was blessed with stunning summer sunshine and Mediterranean temperatures!

Village Farm Marquees has supported standholders at the show for six years now, and this year was no exception. Amongst the marquees we provided were two very different clients – NatWest bank and Hornsea Garden Centre.

Caring for customers

NatWest bank has had a presence at the Driffield Show for a number of years, where its customers are welcome to take a break from the bustle of the show and enjoy some light refreshments in their hospitality marquee. This year, the decked veranda and comfortable outdoor furniture offered a relaxing respite from the heat of the day, allowing visitors to chat with the NatWest team while they cooled off.

We first created this striking marquee for the bank in 2017, to help them stand out among the many exhibiting companies, with their striking branded frontage and comfortable veranda. And the beauty of this bespoke design shone through this year, as it was ready and waiting for them to erect again this year in pride of place, with our help.

Ian Buckton, Natwest’s Agricultural Relationships Manager for the East Riding (pictured here outside their marquee), said: “The marquee has been a very good value investment for us. Village Farm came up with a bespoke design for us, to help us make a statement, and now we simply have to roll it out year after year – with their help.

“Their service this year has been excellent and reliable as always, right down to sending us a confirmation email the night before the show, to reassure us that the marquee had been successfully installed and was ready and waiting for us.”

Ian and the extended team of Natwest area business managers pride themselves on providing a personal service to businesses of all sizes, including support with accessing growth funding.

Blooming marvellous

Heady scents of summer flowers filled the air at the Hornsea Garden Centre marquee, marking the Sigglesthorne-based centre’s first appearance at the show.

Management Support Officer Kianne Boxx (pictured here with Plants Manager Antony Binks), explained how it was all about raising awareness of the rebranded Hornsea Garden Centre outlet – part of the national British Garden Centres chain – this year.

“We wanted a good quality marquee in which to show off some of the beautiful plants we have to offer, and make as many people as possible aware of our Hornsea outlet and what it has to offer,” she said.

“What VFM provided was absolutely perfect for our requirements. It was light and airy, and a perfect setting to show off our range of plants really well.

“It was also very clean and well-kept, which is really important to making a good, professional impression at an event like this.

“Nothing was too much trouble for the VFM team, even when we had to contact them a few times to adjust our requirements.”

Hornsea Garden Centre houses a huge array of plants, landscaping and buildings. Within the extensive main building there is a selection of conservatories that have been set up to showcase their range of oak furniture and other home comforts. Formerly Spring Garden Centre, the site has undergone some fantastic re-development, with the addition of an extra 30,000sq ft of retail space. The restaurant boasts a new orangery providing a delightful dining experience in a great atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the centre and then call in for a bite to eat in the restaurant, which serves delicious meals all day. From the fantastic mega breakfast to the daily specials, there's something for every taste and diet. The garden centre also offers a large selection of gifts and collectables, including the popular Charlie Bears.

If you would like a free, no obligation chat about your needs, please contact Village Farm Marquees by ringing 01262 468160 or emailing info@villagefarmmarquees.co.uk