Showtime in the Peak brings out the crowds

The event started on Tuesday with a dedicated equestrian day, followed by more activities and entertainment with a traditional countryside theme on Wednesday and Thursday.

The 2016 show is the 186th outing for the ‘Little Royal’.

Bakewell show, judging in the WI marquee, Maureen Anderson and Anita Butt

A farmers’ market introduced last year was brought back and the ‘Apres Show’ – free entertainment from 6pm on Wednesday – returned too.

Along with the usual agriculture, food and craft classes, The Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle stunt team was lined up as the main centre ring attraction and the show’s first florist competition was due to take place, led by floral artist Jonathan Moseley.

Local flower companies were challenged to enter a wedding-themed competition judged by the public.

For the first time the equestrian classes included amateur hunter qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show, alongside the Horse of the Year qualifiers.

Sales of advance tickets were up on last year before the show started.

The surge may have been caused by holidaymakers choosing to stay in Britain this summer, organisers believe.