Organisers praise 'perfect' first day of this year's Royal Norfolk Show

Organisers behind the country’s biggest two-day agricultural show have praised a "perfect" start to this year's event.

The managing director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), organisers of the Royal Norfolk Show, confirmed high ticket sales, boosted by the amazing weather.

Mark Nicholas said: “It could not have been a better day – it has been perfect.

“It looks like it’s been a bumper day and it’s been the biggest year for us since bouncing back from Covid.”

(Image: Newsquest (Denise Bradley))

It was too early to talk about exact numbers, but ticket sales were already several thousand up on last year.

The day began with light mist and a broken-down horse trailer, which caused six-mile delays on the A47 near Thickthorn.

By but mid-morning, the sun was shining with temperatures reaching close to 30C in the hottest part of the showground.

(Image: Newsquest (Sonya Duncan))

The crowds enjoyed more than 700 trade stands, 3,000 animals and a jam-packed programme featuring musicians to performing ponies.

And visitors grabbed themselves a bargain with an EDP/Norwich Evening News goody bag, which will be available for £2 again tomorrow – and includes lots of great things including the all-important bottle of water.

Highlights tomorrow will include a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh who will be there for about three hours visiting people during the day.

(Image: Sonya Duncan)