With just one day left to go until the Royal Norfolk Show, a forecast of sunny summer days looks set to help make it a bumper year for the annual celebration of the best of our county.

Eastern Daily Press: The 2017 Royal Norfolk Show seen from the top of the Anglian Demolition scaffolding. Picture: Ian BurtThe 2017 Royal Norfolk Show seen from the top of the Anglian Demolition scaffolding. Picture: Ian Burt

This year's show takes place tomorrow and Thursday at the Norfolk Showground, near Costessey, and show director Mark Nicholas said everything was on course for a fantastic show - weather included.

The current forecast is for sunshine on both days with temperature highs of up to 25 degrees Celsius tomorrow and up to 26 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

'I think it's going to make the show really, really shine this year,' said Mr Nicholas.

'I suspect it will be the final icing on the cake to encourage people to decide to come and visit what is a great celebration of Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: The Church Farm Ham National at the 2017 Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian BurtThe Church Farm Ham National at the 2017 Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt

'In 2016 and 2017 we had wet weather so this year it looks like the stars have aligned and we are looking forward to two brilliant days.'

He said that the average show footfall over the last five years had been about 80,000 each year over two days, but he added that they were well prepared to cope with many more visitors.

He said pre-show sales were 'performing very strongly' and that the introduction of free car parking for people who book in advance online had also been very well received.

This year more than 10,000 schoolchildren are also expected to attend the show from 160 schools across the county and north Suffolk, compared to 8,000 pupils last year.

Eastern Daily Press: Amy Goodyear from Green Pastures,winners of a Gold Medal in the Flower and Garden show at the Royal Norfolk Show 2017.Picture: Nick ButcherAmy Goodyear from Green Pastures,winners of a Gold Medal in the Flower and Garden show at the Royal Norfolk Show 2017.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Mr Nicholas said they had aimed to demonstrate to teachers that the Royal Norfolk Show was much more than just a day out, it was also a place with lots for pupils to learn, see and do.

And he said there were lots of new events for people of all ages to look forward to, including the show being extended into the evening on Wednesday night with a packed programme of musical entertainment in the new Woodland Arena.

This year there is also a new flower and garden show, a bigger food and drink offer, and a new partnership with Norfolk Music Hub which is bringing about 50 bands and performing arts group to perform at the show.

Mr Nicholas said: 'I would like to say, on behalf of the team who run the Royal Norfolk Show and our volunteer stewards, it's going to be a fantastic show this year. It is definitely a day to come and enjoy the weather and enjoy seeing Norfolk at it's very best.'

Eastern Daily Press: Dog Agility action from the second day of the 2017 Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian BurtDog Agility action from the second day of the 2017 Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt

The Royal Norfolk Show takes place on tomorrow and Thursday. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.rnaa.org.uk