History

HMS SULTAN’s Summer Show has been established for over 30 years. The initial show was held as a Families day within the establishment grounds. A local showman provided two sideshows and a food stall. Sailors then provided other entertainment with a village fete concept based around minor stalls, aimed at entertaining the children of serving members.

During the 1980’s the Show expanded and was moved to the Polo field’s to the south of the main establishment. The concept was changed to a Community Relations event to include the general public. The funfair expanded and a nominal charge was made for public entry. All profits were to be distributed to naval and local charities. The Show made quite an impact in the locality and was increased in duration to cover a full weekend.

The Show again changed in the early 90’s when large parts of HMS SULTAN were also civilianised. Acts for a main arena were booked, outside caterers were used for the first time and the crowds increased. Crowds varied between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors daily.

For the first time in 2002 to combat increasing costs (public funds are not used) whilst retaining reasonable ticket prices in recognition of the local community nature of the event, sponsorship was sought from local businesses. Advertising to attract customers was also increased and relations developed with local media including Heart FM (a local Radio Station) and The News. A Press Day and Gunwharf Weekend have been included for the last few years to spread the word and differential ticket prices encouraging early advanced purchase with the aim of leveling the balance sheet as early as possible were introduced.

With gates for the weekend averaging over 20,000 people the Show is well established and in 2003 alone over £30k was distributed to local charities. The turnover for the show is now in excess of £100,000 annually and it has received many regional plaudits. It has become a firm favorite with members of the local population and also now much further afield and features in national show guide literature. The concept maintains community relations and the overall pricing policy reflects this.

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