Families took advantage of the pegged prices at this year's show and the newly-expanded children's areas was noisy and lively.

And the cattle competitions drew in even larger crowds than normal on Wednesday after the forced cancellation of the goat classes.

Bakewell Young Farmers Club held a range of farming events for the show's younger visitors.

Club member Victoria Mosley said: "We want to use our area to provide a few games, quizzes and fun stuff for younger people.

"Ten members will be manning the tent over the two days – it's a pity in some ways because we don't get to see much of the show.

"But it's obviously a big do for our club and we do enjoy it," Victoria added.

Several Bakewell Show favourites returned this year, included the shooting gallery, Women's Institute food tent and farm ice-cream vans.
But there was also a range of modern events, such as a 40-foot inflatable slide, hot-tub stalls and a climate change awareness workshop.

Liz Poultney had taken her four-year-old son to the show for the second time and was enjoying the events.

Liz said: "I like the horses and the farmer's market and stall.

"The rides are great for the little one – it's his second show and he enjoys it," she added.

The emergency services were using the show to get their safety messages to the expected crowds of over 60,000 people.

Derbyshire fire service watch manager Fred Brown delighted crowds with a dramatic comedy routine.

Fred said: "We get a 25-foot ball of flame licking out the van and anyone who's seen it says they'll never make the mistake I do in the show.

"It's a bit of comedy routine – we even get our wigs on – but I do think that makes the information stick better," he added.