But those that dodged the showers still found plenty to enjoy at this year's Royal Show.

The Royal Agricultural Society of England says that the show was a positive start to a new format, which saw it running from Thursday to Sunday for the first time.

HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, attended the event on the Friday for a special visit and gave the crowds what they wanted, conducting a lengthy walkabout.

The thousands that were at the show, organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, were promised something for everyone and that was certainly delivered.

The Grand Ring provided an action packed programme with displays from The Royal Signals, White Helmets and the Bollddog Lings and the Chariots of Fire Driving display.

Elsewhere there were several craft and countryside pursuit demonstrations, and shopping from the rustic to high fashion.

Show director Simon Frere-Cook admitted memories of last year's damp event and a significant reduction in livestock due to Bluetongue restrictions kept numbers down.

He said: "Bluetongue restrictions - which ironically were changed the day after the show closed - left gaping holes in the livestock lines.

"Cattle numbers were down from 1,200 to 200 and sheep from 1,600 to 400 - over 2,000 animals short of expectations.

"Each of those animals brings with it at least two or three people so their absence was a key factor in reducing visitor numbers.

"But on the positive side, we had a record 5,000 schoolchildren in organised parties who all voted the Education Trail and Children's Farmyard a huge success.

"We also had around 2,700 horses - from the biggest working animals to the smallest children's pony and included some of the nation's best showing prospects in international qualifying competition.

"The Food Hall and Farmers' Market were swamped with people all day, every day. And, on a more serious note, significant international business was done with a number of key overseas visitors.

"We are now evaluating the results of changing the days and when we have assessed the research we carried out among our visitors and exhibitors, we will be able to introduce even more new ideas into the planning for next year's event."

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This year's event also boasted several new attractions including the Energy and Sustainability Park.

With alternative energy being one of the hot topics for the summer, it was a great opportunity for visitors to find out how this new energy source can benefit us all in the not too distant future.

For those into a different kind of green, a trip to the horticultural area was a must.

Visitors could find everything for the green-fingered, with the ever-popular Flower Show competition, as well as flower arranging demonstrations and a feature garden from Burkina Faso, West Africa.

There were also experts on-hand to offer tips and advice.

The new Farmers Market was also on site for food and drink lovers wanting to support their local farmers. And the shopping area featured 100's of trade stands offering clothes, footwear, bespoke furniture, jewellery, holidays abroad, garden accessories and rural crafts.