The county’s largest agricultural event of the year returned with a bang, with thousands coming from across the UK to take part in the unique spectacle that is the Dorset County Show.

Lots of people enjoyed the sunshine at the event on Saturday, with more braving Sunday's rain.

The show was said to have more events, stalls, competitions and displays combined than ever before and people could be seen enjoying food and drink from the dozens of trade stands, many of them featuring Dorset produce, and watching the numerous displays and competitions running on both days.

The Dorset Food Hall, which had traders selling all Dorset produce, was jammed packed with people getting a taste of the county and visitors could be seen admiring the various livestock on display, including horses, sheep, cattle and dairy goats.

Rebecca Hill, vice-chairman of the show, said: “Overall we have had a fantastic weekend. We had a brilliant crowd on Saturday – they had seen the weather forecast and decided to come then. Having said that Sunday was quieter, but the marquees are busy and we are putting on a brave face.” 

She said that the heavy downpours on Sunday, in contrast to the sunny weather on Saturday, failed to dampen people’s spirits at the show.

The organiser added that all of the competition sections saw record entries this year and that the new milking demonstrations had proved a hit with visitors.

She said: “Absolutely everybody likes to see something new and the cows have been milking and they have had two demonstrations each day and they have been very good.”

Both old hands and newcomers appeared to agree that organisers had put on a good show.

Don't forget to pick up your copy of Tuesday's Dorset Echo for our Dorset County Show picture special!