Despite threatening clouds on Wednesday, crowds filled Trinity Park, in Ipswich, for the start of the two-day event, with families able to see Suffolk Punches, cattle, sheep and pigs up close, as well as tasting some of the region's finest food.

Among the people enjoying the sights were Charles and Lindsey Whitwell, from Pakenham, who took their children on their annual trip to the show.

"It's been a brilliant day," said Mrs Whitwell. "We've really enjoyed the foods and getting to taste some local produce."

At the trade stand for Saxham-based Claas tractors, commercial manager Simon Weeks said: "We come here to support the Suffolk farming community. It's the only show in the area of its type and it's nice that it's still a very agriculturally-based show.

"There's a lot of excitement from the children when they see the tractors."

During the day, farm workers were honoured for their dedication to the industry, with Jack Creasy receiving an award for 70 years' service at Stanningfield Hall Farm.

The 84-year-old, who lives in Stanningfield and still helps with the harvest, said: "I had an award for 50 years' service and I didn't think then I would still be farming now.

"I wouldn't have done anything different. Farming is not a repetitive job – no two days are the same and no two seasons are the same."

Other awards went to Derek Smith, for 50 years at S R Whitwell & Co in Great Barton, Roy Peters, for 45 years at Church Farm, Walsham-le-Willows, and Nigel Copping, for 40 years at Harry Ruffell & Co's Cockfield farm. Limes Farm in Great Ashfield saw two employees, Tony Turp and Ernie Meekings, receive awards for 47 and 35 years' service respectively.

Chris Bushby, Suffolk Agricultural Association's executive director, said: "We've had a cracking first day – people have been flooding through the gates."

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