The show began on Monday with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, and continued through until Thursday with attendances showing a decent increase from last years figures.

There was however criticism of certain aspects of the infrastructure - once again traffic problems threatened to cast a shadow on an otherwise successful opening day.

At peak times, traffic coming into the showground from the direction of Llandrindod Wells was taking in excess of three quarters of an hour to get off the road and parked, and despite organisers opening up a further three new car parks, certain cheeky drivers were ignoring stewards in a bid to park closer to the showground, causing huge problems as the numbers started adding up.

Despite this, spirits were high as visitors enjoyed the good atmosphere and inclement weather - a stark contrast from last year's muddy scenes, which prompted the Society to spend £150,000 on new flood drainage systems right across the showground.

Fortunately they weren't needed this year: "What a difference a year makes," said Derek Brockway, BBC Weatherman; "The show has been lucky, when you consider what it was like last year, you could say we've struck lucky here.

"It looks like we could finally be in for a summer after all!"

As with every year, the vast range of quality food on offer proved to be a huge draw.

BBC Newsreader Jamie Owen said: "I've found you can spend the whole day walking around trying samples of all the food, and go home full without having ever opened your wallet!

"Seriously though, people from all over the UK and further come to enjoy the show, and what a great event it's turned out to be."

Organisers said they were happy with the improved attendances in the face of challenging times financially and for the farming industry as a whole, and thanked everyone who played a part in making the show a huge success.

For a full report on this year's Royal Welsh, including many pictures, make sure you buy this Friday's County Times.