A POPULAR long-running country show got off to a flying start yesterday despite the gloomy weather.

A POPULAR long-running country show got off to a flying start yesterday despite the gloomy weather.

Rain failed to dampen the spirits as the Eye Show and Country Fair got underway with plenty of attractions and demonstrations to entertain the whole family.

The event kicked off at Goodrich Park, Palgrave, near Eye, with a host of performers and displays taking to the main ring including gun dog and birds of prey displays and vintage steam engines and fire engines.

Show director Tim Seeley said the event had got off to a good start despite the drizzle and that forecasters had predicated the weather would clear today, traditionally the busier day of the show.

“The second day is generally busier than the first and we would encourage people to come down and enjoy themselves,” he said.

“There is something here for everyone and people seem to be having a lot of fun.”

Mr Seeley said that highlights today would include the Blades aerobatic display team. The Blades pilots are all former RAF Red Arrows and between them have more than 20 years of display experience on Harriers, Hawks, Jet Provosts and Boeing Stearman biplanes. The four pilots flying their Extra 300 aircraft will be led by Blade 1 Andy Offer.

Other attractions include the London fire brigade parachute team, Jon Marshall blindfold driving, dog dancing with Richard Curtis and CJ's falconry display. Visitors can also enjoy horse riding displays, sheep dog demonstrations, helicopter trips, military vehicles and fun fairs.

A team of daredevils had to be drafted in following the dramatic withdrawal of one of the star attractions.

The Bolddog Lings Minibike Display Team from Harleston agreed to take to the main arena in place of German highwire acrobat Jean Monti, who had to drop out after suffering a back injury.

Other things to see and do include a 4x4 off road course with the Suffolk Land Rover Club, tree cutting and climbing demonstrations by Waveney tree surgeons and interactive displays by the armed forces.

The show started in 1915 as a horticultural exhibition and still hosts a flower show with an explosion of colour at the Norfolk and Suffolk Dahlia Society stand. Stalls selling arts and crafts and refreshments are in abundance as well as music.

The show continues today with gates opening at 10am. Admission is £9 for adults and £4.50 for children. A family ticket costs £25 (2 adults and 3 children). Parking is free. Visit www.eyeshow.org.uk