Although the forecast for the event was for showers throughout the day – some of them heavy – after an overcast start it was sun all the way.

And show secretary Peter Woodall was delighted –especially as last year's show had to be cancelled because the showfield was waterlogged by prolonged and torrential rain.

He said: "I thought the weather forecast for the day was going to turn people away. It said there would be rain between 8am and 5.30pm but what little did come down early this morning wasn't enough to get you wet and it has just got better and better as the day has gone on.

"I rang the local radio station and told them we had glorious sunshine here and they should tell listeners to come to Ryedale Show.



"And come they did. After a fairly slow start, the event at the spectacular Welburn Park near Kirkbymoorside, was pulling in the crowds and attracting record attendances. Mr Woodall is convinced the show has broken previous record gates of about 15,000 visitors.

He said: "We can never be exactly sure of numbers because there are so many exhibitors and people manning trade stands but I have no doubt that this year we've set a new record.



"It's been absolutely brilliant and we couldn't have asked for more. At this time of day people are usually starting to disappear, but the showfield is still packed."



And he added: "We've already put more money into the bank than we had in previous years." And show President David Cussons, who has been show director for 20 years, was equally pleased with the day.

He toured the livestock and horse arenas, the record 220 trade stands and the many competitions and displays in the marquees with his wife, Joan and entertained guests throughout the day.



Mr Cussons described it as a "wonderful" show. For Sherburn man John Cundall it was also a special day when he received the Ryedale and Pickering Lyth Agricultural Society's special award for services to agriculture from the Peresident in the main ring.

Mr Cundall, 81, was a familiar face to many through his years at Malton-based Cundalls and with Malton Livestock Market. Meanwhile entries in all classes were strong, there was a record turnout of vintage tractors and farming machinery and fans of equestrian activities had a treat with more than 80 classes for horses taking place during the day – some of them qualifiers for national events.



With an evening programme featuring the continuation of the sheepdog trials, mounted fancy dress, children's sports and gymkhana and the weather still hot and sunny, the show was definitely on a winner.