At a morning tea held at Tocal College recently, Tocal Field Days handed out $35,000 in grants from the proceeds from the three-day event held April 30-May 2.

The event's manager Wendy Franklin said Tocal Field Days always gives back to the many community groups who give such valuable support both in the lead up and during the event.

"We couldn't put on the event without the support of the great people in these organisations who help us with set up, parking, and exhibit area management," Ms Franklin said.

"We run a tight ship when staging the event so we can give back as much as possible to the community," she said.

"Tocal Field Days gives people a great day out, puts farming on show and it also supports local organisations that often struggle for vital funds."

2021 Tocal Field Days grant recipients

. Maitland Rugby Club

. Hunter Region Scouts

. Maitland Legacy

. Maitland Rotary

. Newcastle Men's Shed

. Maitland Men's Shed

. Maitland Community Care

. Vacy Public School

. East Maitland Kiwani Club

. East Maitland Rotary Club

. Hunter Valley Slow Food

. Tocal Homestead

A record 28,539 people attended the event at the Tocal Agricultural College, Paterson over three days. COVID-19 restrictions meant that the 2020 event had to be postponed.

The only other previous time the event was cancelled was following the April 2015 floods.

At that time road access to the site was the reason for the cancellation.

Ms Franklin said that 2021 proved to be the best field days in the 12 years she has been managing the event.

This year's event was her last as manager. Recruitment is underway for her replacement.

During last year's COVID lockdown many similar events across the c were cancelled

The next Tocal Field Days is set for April 29, 30 and May 1, 2022. Visit tocalfielddays.com.