Following a 2-year restoration project, the Giant Panther has been refurbished in time for the 30th Essex Country show, after it tipped off a low loader at Crays Hill in 2014.
Having attended the very first show in 1987, the restoration team have been working hard to make sure it is finished in time for the 30th anniversary. The restoration work is estimated to have costed over £100,000.
Owned by Barleylands since 1982, the pretty ploughing engine dates back to 1917 and will be appearing alongside it’s sister engine, Giant Tiger. Both will be taking visitors back to days gone by when steam engines were used to plough the fields and it will be the first time the duo have been seen together since 2013.
Said show director, Andrew Philpot “We are so excited to have our famous ploughing sisters back at the Essex Country Show this year. After the Giant Panther’s accident, she became a local celebrity. We can’t wait to see the pair back together and ploughing the fields at this year’s show!”
Steam engines have always been a big part of the Essex Country Show and in addition to seeing Giant Panther and Giant Tiger, visitors will see the Steam Engine parade in the Main Arena with over 25 engines taking part.
Celebrating the best of rural Essex, past and present, the Essex Country Show brings together the very best arena events, demonstrations, attractions and exhibitions. This year also sees car crashing monster trucks, heavy horses in action, a vintage fun fair, rural crafts and so much more.
