Organisers of a new rural show have apologised after signs directing people to the event were removed at the weekend.

Officials involved in the Palgrave Journey through the Ages event said they were sorry after some families and exhibitors found the location difficult to find.

They used social media and radio to update people that it was still on after rumours spread that it was cancelled and road signs were mysteriously taken down.

Organiser Gareth Mutimer said the disruption had not ruined the event, which was held for the first time, and added that although numbers were down compared to what was expected, everybody who turned out had enjoyed themselves.

'We heard the people out on the road and heard the metal scraping and it turned out somebody had taken down the AA signs,' he said. 'Some people also didn't come on the Sunday because there were rumours going around Diss that it was cancelled, which of course it wasn't. We still got people through but some people gave up because they couldn't find us.

'It was disappointing but they won't win – we'll be back next year and we've had really positive feedback from the people who did come.'

The event included a variety of attractions and activities which ranged from steam engines to crafts and classic cars to clothes, living history with Viking encampments and a second world war re-enactment.

Families took advantage of a set of gallopers, the chance to see vintage Silver Ghost cars and enjoyed the food and drink while watching main ring entertainment provided by historical re-enactors.

Journey through the Ages was held on the site previously used for the Eye Show, which this year was cancelled.

Organisers of the new show aimed to stage something similar, but with a vintage twist, and on an earlier date in the year to attract more visitors.

Fellow organiser Lucinda Arnold added: 'Despite the poor weather and difficulties we encountered, we have had such a positive response from everyone that we will be looking to host the show again next year in Goodrich Park and would like to hear from anyone keen to be part of future events.'

Anyone interested should email vintage.rally@gmail.com