Show secretary Alison Bayliff said: "Early counts show numbers to be the same if not better than last year."

With no sheep or cattle due to the foot and mouth outbreak the horses took centre stage. Horse entries increased from last year as many riders took up the final opportunity to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show and Olympia.

The highlight of the show was an entertaining display by the Devil's Horsemen who performed stunts from films they had appeared in.

Children and geese were then rounded up by Stuart Barnes, a shepherd from New Zealand before a performance by the band of the Adjutant Generals Corps. With no sheep or cattle to judge, the band filled the large vacancy in the schedule usually designated for giving prizes to the livestock.

The day is due to end with a synchronised balloon lift-off dependent on the weather.