The idea for the Highland Fling was inspired by the Highland cattle which took up residence at Graves Park's rare breeds centre over 30 years ago. The animals, rare at the time, remain just as popular with visitors today – and the Scottish theme has been developed to bring together a host of attractions.

Catherine Obbard from Stannington enjoyed the cattle show, watching breeders from around the country compete with their animals to win prize money of over £1,000, while son Joe, five, was looking forward to seeing ferrets and taking a spin on the fairground's caterpillar ride.

"It's great to have something like this in Sheffield, where you get a taste of the country right on your doorstep," said Catherine, aged 39. "There's nothing else like it in Sheffield."

Young visitors loved Boris, a three-month-old white Highland calf, and a giant donkey once destined for an abattoir in Spain but rescued by a charity. Shire horse cart rides and dry stone walling competed for visitors' attention with sheep shearing demonstrations, a dog agility show, falconry displays, the chance to pet an eagle owl and traditional fairground rides.

Karen and Andrew Vernals, both 49, and their daughter Ella, seven, from Harthill, were full of praise for the event. "I've been before and it's a really nice day out," said Karen. "I think it is so good for Sheffield to have something like this on a Bank Holiday."

Andrew added: "There's something here for everyone. A lot of effort's been put in."