RECORD numbers of showgoers and stall holders were welcomed to the Great Harwood Show today.

Organisers said the event, which benefited from fine weather, had more traders than ever before with 120 taking part. Early estimates on attendance yesterday also placed the number of visitors in excess of the show’s former record of 10,000.

A number of long-standing and new attractions featured at the event, in its fourth year at the new, bigger, 40-acre site on the junction of Harwood Lane and Whalley Road.

Displays of gun dogs and cattle ran alongside demonstrations of stunt jousting, pony club games, dancers and a parade of classic cars. A patriotic twist was added with a children’s Jubilee competition to design a crown.

Chairman of Great Harwood Agricultural Society Geoff Hanson said: “We were very fortunate to have good weather and for everyone to be so enthusiastic as usual about another Great Harwood Show. There’s been some amazing events on display, such as the stunt jousting which has really drawn a crowd.

“Since moving to the new site, and having more room to expand, each year gets better and better.”

Society secretary Rona Westell added: “It was extremely busy. If we have not broken the record, then we were at least approaching record figures. We certainly had more traders than ever before, as there were 80 last year and 120 this year. The show just goes from strength to strength.”