Gary Mumby, managing director of BLEC Global, said: "We commend the efforts of the organisers for the idea behind the event but have to accept that the improving weather meant many contractors and groundstaff just decided to get on with jobs while they had the chance.

"But those who did attend were serious about looking at machinery and we have enquiries to follow-up after the show."

Around a dozen companies took part in the event, supported by BAGMA, including Campey Turfcare Systems, Avant Tecno, Fleet Line Markers and The Compact Tractor Company.

BAGMA director Keith Christian said: "This is a very good initiative as a concept and it was a disappointing turnout for those who decided to exhibit . But this is the first one and we have to hope for better visitor numbers at the next five - and more support from machinery companies."

Campy Turfcare Systems sales director Simon Gumbrill said: "Campeys are delighted to support these demonstration days.

"Regional events are a good idea but need promoting - and we have no control over the weather giving groundcare professionals the chance to catch up with essential jobs. Those visitors we did see were of good quality."

LANTRA's David Winn, Industry Partnership Manager for Horticulture, attended as a visitor. He said: "This is an interesting attempt to move the market around the country - but advance communication and promotion is essential."

Lloyds director Ian Robson, attending as a visitor (they will be exhibiting at the Scotland event on July 3), said: "We applaud the idea of regional demonstration days and it is important to support these events in our industry.

"There should be more support from the local distributors of national companies with the event being given a higher profile locally to encourage attendance."

MAP Live director Clare Johnson said: "We have made a start and did not forecast a high attendance at the first event. But the faith of the sponsors spurs us on to the next event where we have doubled the number of exhibitors."

Around 24 companies, she said, are showing support for the next event at Ardingly, West Sussex (the county showground) on Wednesday May 15.

The other events are: Haydock June 5, North-East June 19, Scotland July 3 and Chepstow July 17.

Ardingly exhibitors include Campey Turf Care Systems, Ernest Doe, Fleet Line Markers, JSM (John Shaw Machinery) and the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute).

Companies at Stoneleigh on Wednesday included Avant Tecno, BLEC Global, Campey Turfcare Systems, The Compact Tractor Company, Complete Weed Control, Fleet Line Markers, Rampco, the STRI and Weather Action.

Guest speaker was former England cricketer and captain of Leicestershire CCC Matthew Hoggard who gave his opinions on the importance of pitch maintenance from a player's point of view.

STRI project manager Darra Hudner talked about preparing the equestrian course for the Olympics last year and preparing the pitches for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

And Piers Corbyn, the owner of Weather Action, predicted bleak winters ahead and indifferent summers with higher rainfall.