The 41st Lambeth Country Show got off to a fantastic start on Saturday afternoon in the South London sunshine. The slightly later midday start seemed to suit most people, with Brockwell Park looking busy by 2pm.

The site seems to be even bigger this year. The Activate sports area took over the tennis courts and proved to be popular. Space around the Village Green stage was soon taken up by a ‘relaxed’ crowd enjoying the Chucklehead Cider. Meanwhile the Main Stage area also started to gather momentum during the afternoon ahead of the early evening headline slot from Odyssey.

Elsewhere and the Country Show on Saturday was a success simply for doing what the Country Show does every year. It has come to mean so many different things to many different people. You can’t explain the appeal - it is simply the best thing in Lambeth and the Council should be praised for continuing to support it.

Unlike the Brockwell Park fireworks, entry remains free. £1 donation per person was the suggestion from the friendly bucket shakers this year.

Away from the music stages and the Main Arena drew the crowds throughout the afternoon. The ever popular jousting knights put on another dazzling display. The falconry skills that soon followed were also pretty special.

The Kiwi Sheep fella was an absolute star. His show was stolen thought by the line up of his various sheep, each performing an individual dance to Abba’s Dancing Queen.

A short wander away was the Vauxhall City Farm which once again was a favourite amongst the young folk. Back up towards Brockwell Hall and the Vegetable competition was just BONKERS.

Likewise for the scarecrow competition that was on show in front of the Hall. Our personal favourite was the selfie scarecrow of a young lady who used the art of a stuffed crow scarer to put across a marriage proposal.

He said yes, by the way.

But for many folk the Country Show is simply a space in which to meet up with friends and sit around and enjoy the afternoon in the sun. It may have at first appeared slightly corny but the Love Lambeth big letter sign was a masterstroke. It served the purpose of a decent meeting place on top of the hill, as well as the perfect photo opportunity setting.

Elsewhere and the usual random cluster of local society and interest groups were attracting support in varying numbers. The Anti-Austerity tent seemed to attract the greatest interest. It was good to see so many Save Cressingham T-shirts being worn around the park.

If you want more action then the Country Show continues at Brockwell Park on Sunday from midday-8pm. Misty in Roots and Kenyatta “Culture” Hill are both playing the Main Stage on what is now the traditional roots and reggae Sunday.