Russ Gibson aged 35 is married with 3 children and has lived in the town all his life and he has an ambition to revive the Great Aycliffe Show for 2018. His son Jack aged 9 plays for NAJFA U9 Blacks and his 2 year old daughter Poppy has just started attending Aycliffe Dance Academy. Russ wants them to grow up and be proud to call this town their birthplace as its history is amazing. Russ is just an ordinary citizen of the town who has seen bad times and great times, but most of all no matter what’s said about Newton Aycliffe he believes it has great community spirit. Most people know about the Great Aycliffe Show and how good it was in its early days, even going back to the Town Festival held in the 60’s and 70’s. Ross said: “Unfortunately the Show didn’t change much from year to year and became so predictable people knew they would not miss much if they stayed away.

This led to numbers declining as they looked at other more attractive events outside the  town”. “When the decision was announced it would end and be replaced with the Festival it was more of a relief than disappointment as it had become a shadow of its former self”. “But in my opinion the town has now lost its identity there’s little excitement anymore and nothing to look forward to and it just feels like there’s something missing”. That’s when Russ had the idea to try and re-launch an all new and modern Great Aycliffe Show. He started asking people through  Facebook if they want it back and what different events would they want in its place? He has received a fantastic response and has approached a large Fun Fair company who are very interested and gave great advice. Russ is talking to the Town Council requesting their support and permission to use the original Oak Leaf site and running the Show over the weekend during the town’s Festival fortnight.
The Council is in the middle of local elections and  cannot give a response at the moment, but Russ is confident they will be supportive. He is also appealing for suggestions, help and support from the community and businesses, to make this happen in 2018. Russ can be contacted on russellgibson04@gmail.com