Thousands from town and country came together to brave the rain in support of a much-loved agricultural show in Warwickshire.

Crowds gathered at the Kenilworth Show, near Stoneleigh, on Saturday as an impressive programme of Main Ring attractions, featuring quad bike stunts, high-speed equestrian racing, an epic tug of war battle between Coventry Rugby Club and Warwickshire Young Farmers and the ever-popular Grand Parade of livestock, kept families entertained all through the day.

Keen to evolve and grow the show, organisers the Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society (KADAS) unveiled a series of exciting firsts including a brand-new Food Hall, packed full of independent local traders, virtual reality clay pigeon shooting, a typhon fighter jet simulator and an art competition judged by the Mayor of Kenilworth, Councillor Alison Insley.

As part of the Growing Food Locally competition, local schools were asked to submit pieces that reflected on the question, 'What the countryside means to me?'

Cllr Insley said: "To get ten quality entries is fantastic, but the one that really topped it off was from St John's Primary School's Year 5s. They were so creative in the way they thought about the brief. Special congratulations to them."

Coun Insley added: "It was great to see so many families enjoy themselves at the show. The machinery, the animals, the Main Ring attractions - and all the local produce. It was really enlightening.

"Education is key. No matter how old you are, it's great for people to see how it all happens, from seed to the plate, and see how the animals are treated. It's really important."

Cllr Alison Inslet judged the art competition (image supplied)

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Clare Price, Chairman of KADAS, said: "A huge thanks to everyone who came out, despite the weather, to help make the event such a resounding success. We're delighted to have had such a brilliant turnout, and I know all of the traders on site were very appreciative.

"A lot of people work incredibly hard behind the scenes, including (Show Director) Charlie Weetman and his team, and it absolutely paid off.

"It was great to bring countryside and urban communities together and to educate people about where their food comes from. I think the city, and even some villages, has lost a bit of a connection with our British farmers and so the show is the perfect way to bridge that gap.

"Everyone supported the ethos of where our food comes from, how important our farmers are and the good jobs they do. The show was a huge success and we look to build on that next year as we continue to grow."

Daredevil Paul Dannam was a late addition to the Main Ring schedule and did not disappoint, thrilling the crowds with a series of exhilarating tricks and a grand finale jump which saw him fly through the sky, clearing four huge vehicles in the process, before landing on a ramp the other side.

"Absolutely fantastic crowds," he said. "Thank you so much everyone for your support and for cheering me on, it means so much. We are extremely grateful to be back performing for you all here at the Kenilworth Show."

The Village Green was a hive of activity as people gathered to indulge in an array of food and refreshments stalls and to watch a diverse line-up of acts on the Trailer Stage. Bhangra Smash Up got the party started in style and were followed on stage by Plum Jerkum Border Morris Dancers, the Big Sing Choir, well known for appearing on Britain's Got Talent, and show favourites Helen Pearson and Jessie Lea.

The event also boasted dog and sheep shows, an equine section, static and moving displays of vintage and modern machinery and a procession of classic cars and motorbikes with Fuzz Townshend, presenter of the hit TV show Car SOS, who entered the Main Ring to judge 'Fuzz's Favourites'.

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Some of the region's best-kept cattle and sheep were on display during livestock competitions. Visitors were able to get hands-on with different crafts in the Discovery Barn and try out a number of rural pursuits in the Countryside Area. Plenty of fun was also had in the children's entertainment area where a fun fair, face painting and inflatables were among the attractions.

After a rigorous judging process, rosettes were awarded for the best examples of baking, floristry, photography, reserves and produce over in the Homecraft marquee.

More than 120 trade stands did a roaring trade during the day and a number of stalls were set up to offer information about local businesses, community groups, public bodies and charities.