IT was the decision that organisers of one annual festival almost came to regret.
The Fareham Show committee had decided to hold their summer spectacular over two days – a risky choice they almost came to regret.
The show's popularity had been gaining momentum and there was a clear opportunity for a bigger profit if the event ran over the entire weekend instead of just one day.
But, on the evening of Saturday June 19, 1982, dark rain clouds kept the crowds away, making the organisers question their decision.
Then as the sun broke through on Sunday, numbers picked up and hopes of success returned.
“There is definitely an improvement in the numbers attending,” said one committee member at the time.
“I’m confident we shall do better this year. The real credit must go to the volunteers, whose work has been outstanding.”
Sites for the show’s trade exhibitions were sold out, making certain the show would break even at the very least.
Main attractions included a “horror-comedy” stunt show called Stuntmania and the Flying Tigers free-fall parachutists.
The Royal Artillery were also present with HMS Collingwood beating HMS Sultan in the junior field gun run.
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