Perfect weather bringing huge crowds to the opening day of the Royal Norfolk Show

Stephen Smith using woodflour to dry his shire horses for the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Earlier in the morning long delays were reported around the showground, which is an indication of the likely size of the attendance.

There have been reports of buses taking up to an hour to get from the city centre to the showground.

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Fine weather, free car parking with tickets bought in advance and the extended day one programme with a new twilight ticket are expected to be factors in a bumper turnout.

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Crowds tend to average 80,000 over the two days but indications are that the numbers could be considerably higher this year.

Even at the end of the morning, large numbers of people were still pouring through the gates,

Kevin Bultitude, left, and Richard Hulbert of Stody Lodge Gardens get ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eatly cloud soon lifted, leaving the showground basking in warm sunshine. Temperatures are set to reach 25C today with similar conditions forecast for tomorrow.

A north easterly breeze will keep the conditions bearable but there are warnings of high pollen and very high UV levels.

British Simmental, six-weeks-old Johnny from Felthorpe, ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Livestock entries are at a record high and there are new events for people of all ages to look forward to including musical entertainment in the new Woodland Arena, a new flower and garden show, a bigger food and drink offering, and a new partnership with Norfolk Music Hub which is bringing about 50 bands and performing arts group to perform.

The Spire Solicitors Grand Ring at the Norfolk Show will be exciting as ever with attractions including the Adrenaline Tour quad bike stunt display making their debut, the RAF Falcons parachute display team, the Band of the Parachute Regiment and Norfolk Remembers, which is a unique First World War commemoration event.

Two-year-old Fifefield Donald shire horse from Thompson, is hosed down ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Show president Ben Turner said: 'The Royal Norfolk Show, which dates back to 1847, has a reputation for being one of the best county shows in the country – and I am confident that this year's show will prove to be no exception. As usual, it is set to entertain, educate, inspire and celebrate the diversity of life in our wonderful county.

'The show will retain many of the traditional activities that make this event such an important part of our heritage. The showing of livestock is a centuries-old tradition and provides a truly unique spectacle for our visitors in an age when so much is virtual. So come along to this great celebration of Norfolk life.'

Two-year-old Fifefield Donald shire horse from Thompson, is washed by Anna Codling, right, and Lizzie Syer, ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Andrew Reader shaves Barnowl Pats Isis, one of his Barnowl Jersey cows, ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Ian Keates from Michelin, sets up a tyre at the ATS stand ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Safia Harrison, left, Sommer Souster, centre, and Charlotte Peasley, part of the team setting up the jumps ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

John Powles, owner of the Romantic Garden Nursery at Swannington, checks his topiary trees in the gardens area ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

John Powles, owner of the Romantic Garden Nursery at Swannington, checks his topiary trees in the gardens area ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Two-year-old Fifefield Donald shire horse from Thompson, is hosed down ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Colourful signpost at the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Steff Griffin enjoying her free cup of tea at the EDP tea tent at the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Eight-months-old Holsteins are led away after being washed ready for the Royal Norfolk Show, by Gracie Ludgate, front, of Danns Dairy at North Tuddeneham, and Esme Harrison. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Fans keep the British Simmentals from Felthorpe cool ready for the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Early scenes from the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Early scenes from the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Early scenes from the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Early scenes from the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The Royal Norfolk Show day one. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Early scenes from the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Early scenes from the first day of the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Daniellle Barrett and Joanne Murfitt having fun at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Stephen Smith using woodflour to dry his shire horses for the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Danielle Barrett and Joanne Murfitt having fun at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)