The gate was only a few hundred short on the 2006 record of 15,000 attendees on the Earl of Yarborough’s parkland, all keen to enjoy the traditional charms of the event, the terrier racing, ferrets, parades of hounds, pony club events, fly fishing and countless other attactions.

One aspect curtailed by thewinds was the craft marquee which had to be evacuated not three hours into the day after attempts to tether it with tractors failed to stop it from moving.

Event organiser Claire Coulman said that she was ‘really pleased’ with the overall success and ‘really appreciated the support of our traders, sponsors and visitors who all pulled together for a great show despite the economic climate and thew weather’.

The wind also meant that the main ring attrcations could not use fire in their dog and vehicle stunt displays, but it did help boost the WI tea tent’s trade.

“I don’t think that the public was really aware of how many incidents we had to deal with on the day thanks to our planning and on-site stewards and whilst we are very sorry to have had to close the crafts marquee they appreciated the mesaure as a safety precaution.”

Police Inspector Rod Brant praised the efficiency of the show team and trader Antonette McAndrew from Spinney Kitchen said the evacuation was handled very smoothly.

“It was such a shame as for the traders it is a good show, but on the positive side it was the first time in five years that I’ve managed to get a good look around.

“For what ever reason the marquee was not safe, so it was the best decision at the time as it was very scary to be in there with the wind blowing.”