Hopes of a record day after thousands visit show

THE best of British farming's past, present and future were proudly represented at this year's Driffield Show.

The event, now in its 135th year and the largest one-day agricultural show in England, welcomed tens of thousands of visitors through its gates in what could be another record-breaking year.

Attendance figures were still being counted today but organisers will be hoping to top last year, when more than 31,000 visitors packed the

showground.

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In a nod to the event's past, pig classes were seen on Driffield Showground for the first time in more than 50 years – a signal of how prestigious and large-scale Driffield Show is in 2010.

The show's present was demonstrated by the improved traffic management and car parking facilities which, save for a few teething problems, saw visitors get onto the showground more quickly.

And the future of Driffield Show was proudly manifested in ambitious plans which were displayed for the Driffield Events Centre, the brainchild of the show's organising body – Driffield Agricultural Society.

Designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible, the building will be the largest straw bale building in the country once it is completed.

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As well as locally sourced straw it will be made from timber, chalk and lime – with plans being displayed next to the main ring.

There was a touch of sadness, however, following the untimely death of society president David Stubbins earlier this year. Mr Stubbins was a cattle steward at the show for many years and was elected president in December.

He was ably replaced at the event by his wife Wendy who took on his duties for the day.

To reflect the show's growing status, organisers have put in work to revamp arrangements and layouts on the showground.

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A new traffic management system was put in place to help speed up the entrance of an estimated 25,000 visitors.

Car parking too was revamped, with 40 per cent additional parking spaces added for the 2010 event.

Visitors to the animal classes also saw some big changes with the livestock rings moved to a new home, and the cattle storage units now closer to the ring to allow for quicker loading and unloading of animals both before and after the show.

In the food hall, a heavy emphasis was given on locally produced and reared food – with regular culinary displays and demonstrations taking place throughout the day.

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Celebrity chef Richard Fox was among the attractions on the bill.

Elsewhere on the showground visitors enjoyed some white-knuckle moments with the Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team putting on some death-defying stunts in the main ring.

Show director David Tite said: "It has been a fantastic show and everybody has had a good time."

He and his organising team were blessed with good weather with the heavy rains seen during the week drying up on Tuesday, leaving good conditions underfoot.

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On the day itself blazing sunshine and soaring temperatures were the order of the day, with thousands of visitors lining the showground's grandstand and avenues to soak up some of the sun.

This year also welcomed ferret classes to Driffield Show, with the animals forming part of the Fur and Feather Marquee.

Elsewhere gun dog displays, bird of prey demonstrations and lurcher racing attracted strong crowds – with people not beginning to leave the showground until late in the afternoon.

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