There was a record-breaking day for the Wayland Agricultural Show today (Sunday) as an unprecedented crowd filed through the gates for a taste of the country.

The event near Watton underlined its reputation as one of the country's fastest-growing traditional shows as it brought an attendance of 15,000 in its 138th year – about 50pc higher than 2010's turnout.

The success of this year's show was also highlighted by record livestock entries, a doubling in the size of the food hall for Norfolk and Suffolk producers, and the installation of a grandstand for spectators to watch events in the main ring.

The programme included displays by gundogs, vintage tractors and birds of prey, while the Knights of the Damned gave a dazzling demonstration of medieval jousting and horsemanship.

Other familiar attractions included the Fur and Feather tent, clay-shooting, arts and crafts, classic cars and miniature traction engines.

Kevin Bowes, president of the Wayland Agricultural Society, said: 'It has been an outstanding day, and we have had 50pc more people through the gates than ever before. I feel absolutely unreal. I think people realise now what we are doing, and that we have something here that is a bit special.

'We are always trying to improve it. Walking around the show and speaking to people, you realise it has got that feel-good factor. From our point of view it is all about bringing people together to understand the countryside and where their food comes from. It is a rural show, and a family show where people can bring their children to see and touch these animals.'

Mr Bowes paid tribute to the 40-strong committee who volunteered their time to bring the show together.

'In the last 12 months we have given �26,000 to local charities and not a single penny is taken out by any member,' he said. 'It is an amazing team of people and I am very, very proud of the phenomenal job they have done.'

The show's lifestyle marquee featured cookery demonstrations by Kiwi chef and north Norfolk restaurateur Chris Coubrough, and a book signing by actress Liza Goddard.

The president's trophy for the best trade stand went to Heygate Farms, near Swaffham, who were exhibiting their Norfolk Peer potatoes.

And the judges of all the livestock classes combined to declare a 'Champion of Champions' – a fun category, where the winners of all animal types were judged against each other.

The title was won by a Limousin heifer named Withersdale Empress, owned by D C Wharton.