Sun shines on show as rain arrives late in day

Despite heavy rain overnight the showground was bathed in sunshine for much of the day, with temperatures particularly high around lunchtime.

Crowds were noticeably larger than the previous day across site. Torrential rain hit the showground in the early evening after most visitors had begun to make their way home.

As well as the motorcyclists the crowds enjoyed showjumping, livestock and pig judging and a host of other attractions.

Particularly large crowds were seen around the cattle rings, reflecting the high standards of cattle being exhibited from all over the country.

Traffic again proved its usual slow but steady self, with most visitors happy and now used to the brief delays entailed in attending what is England's biggest agricultural show.

Honorary show director Bill Cowling said: "I have no official figures but it was clearly much busier today – we were certainly helped by the weather.

"I am delighted with the new garden show which seems to be a real change in direction and giving visitors something to enjoy. The Simmental Society 40th anniversary celebrations certainly seem to be a big success.

"I also think it is wonderful that we have the pig of the year competition here too. I am really honoured that we have that here."

Attractions today will include the first visit to the showground by a member of the new Government. Defra secretary Caroline Spelman will meet with show bosses and tour the site as part of her visit.

There will also be cooking demonstrations from Rosemary Shrager and the Cock o' the North show jumping championships, which always draws a huge crowd in the main rings.