An earlier downpour threatened to cast a shadow over the Suffolk Show but the rain clouds have gone and day one is proving to be a busy one at Trinity Park.

Some of Suffolk’s finest breeds have been shown off in the Grand Ring and the smaller President’s Ring, while horsemen and women have been competing for first place in their various classes.

Judges have been visiting the pigs and sheep, looking for the finest examples of each breed and green-figured residents have had their floral displays marked.

The show brings together the best of Suffolk’s agricultural businesses, our finest food producers, new start ups and a host of local companies and charities, all keen to raise awareness of the work they do here.

Thousands of visitors have passed through the gates today, wrapping up against the wind to make the most of this annual showcase.

Suffolk Agricultural Association chief executive Phillip Ainsworth said he was very pleased by the numbers who had arrived early – and the number of advanced tickets bought was very encouraging.

By lunchtime the showground seemed very busy with stallholders saying they were enjoying a very successful day – they weren’t even disappointed by the rain because it had pushed visitors into the shelter of their marquees, drumming up more business.

Adrian Turner, director of Thurston-based Yum Yum Tree Fudge, which is based in the Adnams Food and Drink Experience and Food Hall, said: “If it rains before the show, then it’s bad. But if it rains after it starts and most of the people are here, it is actually great for everyone in here as a lot of people come in here to stay dry and then have a good look around.”

See more Suffolk Show news here