Doubtlessly, his performance of spectacular stunts is a compelling activity, which is the aim of the game as it’s one of several changes that will be seen at this year’s annual Gloucester Show, because the show is undergoing a facelift. Or a partial one at least.

“We’re trying to re-invigorate the show and our committee,” president of the Show Committee James Hooke said, adding that the show has to accept some new ideas.

“You can expect a more lively Friday, because there’s a rodeo on from 6pm. And we’re not having a motorbike show this year, we’re trying something else.”

That ‘something’ is David Manchon’s The Rooftop Express, at 7.30pm on the Saturday night. But a write- up will never do justice to scenes of horse tricks and cattle round-ups onto rooftops – yes, rooftops – accompanied by the smell of a showground arena in a rural setting.

“We’re trying to encourage more young people to come and have a go. We’re trying to make the show a little fuller and more progressive.”

Certainly favourite staples such as the demo derby, cooking, colouring in, handicrafts, produce and the animal nursery will still be there, but some new young judges with a different criteria have been added to the list of officials. The animal nursery will be also complemented by the appearance of some favourite animals brought in as a result of a quest by Sally Maslen, who is igniting interest in advance with visits to local schools gathering a list of favourite animals.

It’s this push to add to the core elements and bring in newer items that is designed to help and indeed renew interest in ‘the local show’ scene across the country.

“We can’t keep doing the same thing every year, we need to invigorate it,” James said. 

“What it most needs are some young hyper organised, professional people. If a person is determined enough, they could transform the show.  If some well thought out ideas were put out there, with the commitment to make them happen, everyone will be happy.”

Gloucester Show is on March 11 and 12.