ONE of Suffolk’s biggest country shows got off to a slow but steady start yesterday as crowds of people defied the downpours to enjoy a day of spectacular entertainment.

The Eye Show and Country Fair 2010 opened yesterday morning – just as the heavens opened as well, leaving organisers with a challenging first session of the two-day event.

The show features a range of stands and arena displays – including sheep racing, falconry, a dog and duck show, off-road driving challenge and chainsaw carving – as well as plenty of live music.

Tim Seeley, the show director, said that it had been a “testing” first day of the show but he expected people to come out and support the event today.

He said: “We had a couple of really nasty storms but the show has ‘gone on’. It has clearly affected our numbers.

“But we have still produced a really good show, despite the trying conditions at times. Tomorrow should be much, much better and looks at this stage to be a reasonable day.

“The show goes on, as it did today. It was quite extraordinary how people went to ground – under trees, in their cars or in the marquees – and then came out again when the sun came out.”

He said he was confident that the strong array of trade stands, exciting attractions and thrilling arena displays would help draw a big crowd for the second day.

He added: “It’s probably our most ambitious programme for many, many years and the displays in the arena have been very strong. We’ve got some really good music too, so there really is something for everyone.”

The show, at Goodrich Park, Palgrave, off the A140 just outside Eye, continues today and runs from 10am to 7pm and the highlight is expected to be a display from the Red Arrows.

Tickets are priced �10 for adults, �5 for children and �27 for a family ticket, covering two adults and up to three children and parking is free.