Huge crowds as sun smiles on Yorkshire Show

Longhorn breeder David Blockley, of Drighlington, West Yorkshire, taking part in the Supreme Beef Championships

Some 134,421 visitors attended over the three days, slightly up on last year’s figure of 133,542 and not far shy of the 135,111 all-time record set in 2006.

Although timeless in many respects, this year’s event saw a number of firsts: bloodhounds joined the beagles in the Parade of Hounds on the last day, and the soprano Lizzie Jones became the fist vocalist to perform in the main ring.

Notable visitors included Princess Anne, on day two, and the Farming Minister George Eustice, deputising for his boss, the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove. The formal handover to the new President of the show also took place, with Bill Cowling passing the reins to Tom Ramsden.

The three days ended with a nail-biting, all-Yorkshire jump off in the Cock O’ The North show jumping class, this year marking its 50th anniversary. The honours went to the Huddersfield rider Joe Clayton, on Via Van Der Karmenhoek Z. He also won the opening class on the first day, with the same horse.

The show’s director, Charles Mills, said: “I couldn’t have been prouder of the show.

“It was a magical three days, a real celebration of farming and the countryside.

“The weather, the atmosphere, the standard of competition and a visit from the Princess Royal made it a truly spectacular show and from the feedback we are getting, our visitors thought so, too.”

Next year’s show opens on July 9.