Jolly good show! With picture gallery and video.

Organisers say they are "cautiously optimistic" that the first day of the two-day event broke all previous records for ticket sales - and the event as a whole could be the best selling show ever.

The event, held each year on the first Wednesday and Thursday in August, celebrates everything from agriculture to horticulture and this year's was the 177th show.

The sun put in a welcome appearance on Wednesday and visitors streamed through the gates of the Derbyshire showground in their thousands.

Traffic jams of up to two hours did not put them off and, although slightly cloudy, yesterday remained dry so the crowds kept coming.

"We are cautiously optimistic that this year was a record Wednesday," said Janet Bailey, show manager.

"We took more on the gates than we did on the Wednesday in 2005 and that was a record year so our fingers are crossed.

"It will be a few weeks before we can confirm all the sales from advance tickets but it is looking good. Thursday was very promising too - it would be nice to achieve the double whammy."

A change in the weather, following weeks of rain and floods throughout Derbyshire, really did save the show - there had been fears that, like so many other agricultural shows this summer, it would have to be cancelled.

But organisers were determined not to be beaten and they made sure the show, which has gone ahead every year without fail, went on.

"On Wednesday it was the first time for six or seven years that we had had a traffic problem," said Janet.

"But really it is good news because they were all trying to get to us. So many shows have suffered this year that I think everyone made it their mission to attend this one."

Yesterday's event saw animals take centre stage with displays of prize-winning pigeons, pedigree rabbits and top quality poultry.

Dogs, horses and cattle all competed in a variety of categories and visitors were even invited to meet some friendly ferrets.

"The response this year has been fantastic," said Janet. "For the first time ever we had people who attended the show on Wednesday coming into the office asking to buy tickets for Thursday - they wanted a double dose!

"I've been really pleased to see so many people enjoying themselves."

Farmers full of praise for organisers

FARMERS from all over the country have praised the Bakewell Show which defied the odds to go ahead as planned while scores of similar events were forced to cancel.

Weeks of rain had sparked rumours the show would not happen - but organisers pulled out all the stops to ensure a top turnout.

Farming groups particularly welcomed the "great day out" - one of few events they had been able to attend to flaunt their fare.

"Up until about a week or 10 days ago it could have been called off," said National Farmers' Union secretary for Bakewell Andrew Redfern. "But is has never been cancelled before, and has gone ahead this year. Shows like this are always welcome."

"There have been some tough times this year and that will be reflected in consumer prices if farmers are to meet production costs," he said. "But events like this and all town shows play an important part in the agricultural diary."