Sadly the show numbers of visitors were down to about a third of previous years. One of our biggest problems was the dropping out at the last minute of some of our major exhibitors due to the recession. The Irish skippers that are normally at the show pulled out because of the funding they normally receive being stopped due to the money situation in Southern Ireland.
Another problem I think is that the show was too close to Christmas, it was a month later than normal. We changed the date from October because the original date clashed with the Sunderland- Newcastle Derby match.
We are looking at the possibilty of putting it on next year towards the end of September.
We are also planning an angling show next year on the 15, 16, and 17 of April which are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The show will be at the Seaburn Centre and will cover Sea, Game, Coarse, Carp Angling, Boats and Kayaks.
The council have given permission for casting demonstrations to be given on the beach, which is just across the road from the Centre. There are plenty of free parking spaces. Bookings have already started to be taken for stands at the show.
We haven't worked out all of the details yet re. times of opening etc. but one thing I can promise admission will be the same as at the Nissan show £3.