The Great Yorkshire Show got underway today with 35,000 people pouring through the gates to be greeted by thousands of animals.
This is the 164th edition - and it’s more popular than ever. All the tickets for the four-day event have already been sold out.
Exhibitors come from all corners of the country, bringing the very best of Britain’s livestock to compete for the many trophies and cups. But it’s also a celebration of food, machinery and the latest approaches to farming.
Celebrities on day one included Matt Baker and Adam Henson from Countryfile talking to MPs and meeting the crowds.
Show Director Charles Mills said the first day had been a big success, despite driving rain at one point forcing everyone undercover - all except singer Lizzie Jones, a former Inspirational Woman of the Year for her charity work, who was entertaining the crowds in the main ring after bringing out her brolly so she could carry on singing in the rain.
Mr Mills added: “It’s been wonderful, everyone seems very happy. And it’s the people who make it.
"I’ve been talking to exhibitors and the visitors and they love being here. I think people are more interested in what is going on in agriculture and the countryside and they want to see it for themselves.
“It does surprise me, sometimes before the show I worry will it work? but we have a great team, we have more than 500 volunteer stewards and people just want to be here. And we are so thankful for their support.”
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