Thousands flock to the 152nd Great Yorkshire (with video jukebox)

Taking its position as the number one agricultural show in England, this year's event has everything from Ghurkha marching bands to top television chefs – with the usual array of animals breaking the show's all- time attendance records.

The searing temperatures of the past few weeks may have cooled off but visitors only had to endure a spot of rain during the opening day, with a brief shower passing over the Harrogate showground in the late afternoon.

Other than that pleasantly mild temperatures mixed with bright sunshine and clouds to create a relaxed atmosphere among the visitors – and more pleasant conditions for the livestock.

The demise of the Royal Show has placed increased interest and emphasis on the Great Yorkshire Show this year, with organisers inundated with cattle, sheep and pig entries.

Traffic to and from the showground was its usual affair, with lengthy queues forming as the gates opened.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the show's organiser the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said he was "delighted" to see the event up and running and the crowds enjoying themselves.

"One of the things we are quite proud of about the show is that when you come here, there's a real buzz about the place," he said.

"There are a lot of people enjoying themselves, seeing new things, meeting old friends and generally having a good time. That sort of atmosphere is something that's very difficult to quantify but we're very proud we've got it.

"We try hard to keep the traditional things that the public like such as the cattle parade in the main ring but we also try and develop each year – we've revamped the flower show this year."

"But we're here to promote farming in the countryside. (The show) is the platform in England now for farming and agriculture."

Today the main cattle and pig awards will be decided, with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott due to visit the showground.