All hands on deck at rain hit Bakewell Show

Umbrellas have been the order of the day at Bakewell Show. Pictured are show visitors Charlie May Parker and mum Vicky Clark with Bessie the dog.

With a history stretching back almost 200 years, Bakewell Show is one of the oldest agricultural showpiece events in the UK but its latest instalment faced sodden conditions during its official opener today.

The Peak District’s big show, which is due to continue tomorrow and started with an Equestrian Day on Tuesday, has suffered competition cancellations and car parking problems due to the unseasonal downpours with cars unable to enter or leave for a spell in this afternoon.

Amid thick mud created by the heavy rain, organisers asked for patience as they attempted to reopen the show’s main off-site car park during a brief closure.

Reported traffic delays of up to an hour along the A6 also proved a hindrance for visitors.

Tomorrow’s ridden showing and private driving classes have been cancelled as a result of the weather.

A spokesman for the show said: “It is still a good atmosphere. Everyone has been working hard throughout the night to keep it running so we will see how it goes.

“We have had a couple of big downpours but we would ask people to be patient with us and bring your wellies and your brollies.

“We have got some great teams on the ground and it is all hands on deck. We have dealt with worse than this and we do have contingency plans in place.”

Despite the rain, competitive classes went ahead. Pictured is Simone Gill judging a Rex rabbit.

Adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of another major outdoor event in Derbyshire on Sunday, when performances were called off at Y Not music festival.

The Met Office has forecast sunshine and showers for Bakewell tomorrow.