Huge crowds pouring in for second day of Royal Norfolk Show as sun beats down once again

Fashion at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Lily-Ann Hare with her dog Coco.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Fantastic weather, coupled with a number of new additions to the annual event, saw more than 40,000 pour through the gates at the showground for the opening day.

Jonah Sharman,7, from St Peters Primary School, Easyton enjoying the sunshine at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Organisers this year introduced a full programme of evening entertainment for the first day, featuring everything from stunt shows to live music.

Visitors can also park for free if they buy a ticket in advance, which is also believed to be behind the bumper turnout.

The Quad Bike Stunt Show in the Grand Ring. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

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

Fashion at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Maddie Whitbourn.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Traffic appears to have been smoother on the second day than on Wednesday.

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Winners of the Heygates Team of 5 Competition.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Show director Mark Nicholas said: 'The first day of the Royal Norfolk Show has been a cracker.

Royal Norfolk Show, 2018. Parade of the Heygates Team of 5 Competition.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

'We have seen a really good number of visitors and we think we are on course for more than 40,000 from day one.'

George Garnham,8, inside the RG Carter Maze at the 2018 Royal Norfolk Show.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

This year has seen the introduction of the new Woodland Arena, a flower and garden show, and a larger food and drink offering.

Fashion at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018.Adele Whitbourn and Sue Roberts.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Around 50 bands were also invited as part of a new partnership with the Norfolk Music Hub.

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

Mr Nicholas said: 'The weather is a factor, no doubt about it. But more than that, we have enhanced the visitor experience.

Alfie a Solcata Tortoise. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

'We have refreshed part of the show and it is very important to do that.

Yvonne Gowers and Jeff Amis enjoy the flower show at the Royal Norfolk Show 2017.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

'There is a new flower and garden show and we have more then 50 bands performing. That is all new.'

Day one of the Royal Norfolk Show. Pictured is Amanda Seales from the Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

He said while it was important to protect the agricultural traditions of the show, it was also important to provide a platform for organisations to showcase their work.

Day one of the Royal Norfolk Show. Pictured from Northgate High School are Deputy Head Zoe Galley and Calum MacDonald. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The Met Office has forecast temperatures to reach around 25C today.

Day one of the Royal Norfolk Show. Pictured are PTI's from RAF Marham, Becca Cuthbertson and Ant Humphries. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The Church Farm Ham National at the Royal Norfolk Show. Picture: Ian Burt

The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team free fall into the Grand Ring. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)