The new Wiltshire Council is to look into running the West Wilts Show as a regular event, interim leader Jane Scott has revealed.

It had been feared that the show, which will mark its 20th anniversary in Trowbridge Park on July 23, 24 and 25, would have its last hurrah this summer following the demise of West Wiltshire District Council, which had provided the bulk of the funding.

But at a preview event for sponsors and exhibitors at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge on April 16, Cllr Scott said that the new council, which has taken on the funding commitment for this year, will investigate how it can continue.

“It is such an important event,” said Cllr Scott. “In this economic climate it is more important than ever to give our businesses the help they need. This show does that.

“We will look at how we can continue to fund it.”

The Wiltshire Times will again be a major sponsor.

At the preview show chairman Mike Williams said that despite earlier concerns, the number of exhibitors at the show is likely to match or even exceed that of the last event in 2007.

“We have been very encouraged by the interest. There are still stands available but the signs are looking good,” he said.

The first show in 1989 brought in just 15,000 visitors. By 2007 that had grown to 80,000. Mr Williams added: “The show has brought in more than £1 million in sales for exhibitors over the years.”

He said organisers are hoping to have a royal guest again this year. He said: “In 1989 we had the Princess Royal, in 1993 the Duke of Edinburgh, in 2001 the Duke of Kent and 2005 the Duke of Westminster. We have sent out an invitation for this year and are waiting to hear back.”

ITV news presenter Peter Rowell told the preview lunch the show is his favourite of the year. “It captures the great community spirit of the area and of course it is all free. What could be better than that?” he said.

Despite the encouraging number of exhibitors, sponsors are down on previous years and that means the organising team is having to work extra hard to provide three days of entertainment.

An appeal for musicians and performers to play for free has brought in more than 40 CDs and audition tapes, and there still may be a budget for a headline act, like Midge Ure in 2005 and 2007, but that depends on whether they can attract a sponsor.

Organisers have already booked a laser show to cap the final night and are hoping exhibitors will help keep the crowds entertained.

Anyone who wants to exhibit, or can offer activities, can contact show organisers on (01225) 355554 or via www.westwiltshow.net.