The organisers of the Suffolk Show have urged people to 'get their wellies on' and come down to this year's extravaganza as they pledged that yesterday's dreadful weather would not result in the event being cancelled.

Volunteers and staff worked throughout the day yesterday as heavy downpours left Trinity Park, the venue for the show, wet underfoot and some areas in Ipswich flooded.

The two-day event, which opens today and will be attended by Prince Harry tomorrow, is worth millions of pounds to the local economy and it is hoped that about 90,000 people will turn out over the two days.

A spokesman said: 'It is a bit muddy in places because of the rain that we have had. But we are urging people to get their welly boots on, put their umbrellas up and come.

'The stand holders who are battling the rain are smiling; people are just waiting for the party to begin.'

Despite the miserable conditions yesterday, forecasters have painted a slightly brighter picture for the next 48 hours.

Today there will be some showers, but they are expected to clear by 10am and for the rest of the day, while there is a risk of some showers at the show venue, it will be mostly cloudy and dry with temperatures reaching highs of 18C.

Tomorrow will be a similar picture with a small risk of showers in the morning – but for the rest of the day, it will be cloudy and mainly dry.

Steve Western, a forecaster with Weatherquest, said: 'It won't be completely dry, there is the chance of showers, but it shouldn't be enough to ruin everything.'

At the show this year people will be able to enjoy stalls run by various organisations, individuals and companies, animal displays and livestock exhibitions.

In the Military Village there will be a static display which will include an Apache helicopter.

Police were last night also warning drivers to allow extra time for their journeys.

In recent years, congestion has been minimal but the sheer volume of traffic does result in hold-ups, particularly near the Seven Hills junction for the A12 and A14.