TENS of thousands of people have enjoyed going along to the first day of the Devon County Show.

The three-day agricultural event at the Westpoint Arena features a variety of attractions including trade stands, crafts, locally-produced food and even an “alpaca cafe”.

Parade of vintage tractors
Parade of vintage tractors (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Actor Martin Clunes officially opened the Heavy Horse Festival this morning, Thursday, May 15.

Devon County Show. Getting to nose you! Actor and heavy horse enthusiast Martin Clunes meets the gentle giants at the show
Actor and heavy horse enthusiast Martin Clunes meeting the gentle giants at the show (Steve Pope/MDA)

Meanwhile, John and Sue May of Priorton Barton, Crediton won second place with their bull Priorton Yeoman in the Devon Red Rubies male championship.

Sue May with rosette
Sue May with rosette (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Local cider producer Sandford Orchards’ dry farmhouse cider was also named the reserve champion and awarded a gold medal.

Emma McIntyre of Sandford Orchards with the winning cider
Emma McIntyre of Sandford Orchards with the winning cider (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, Devon County Agricultural Association President HRH Anne, Princess Royal will be making an appearance.

Obligatory credit: Photograph by JOHN SWANNELL/CAMERA PRESS. HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, wearing an emerald green dress and matching jacket, pictured at Gatcombe Park in a photograph taken to mark her 70th birthday.
HRH The Princess Royal (CAMERA PRESS/John Swannell)

And on Saturday, May 17 TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp will be at the show.

Kirstie will visit the Devon County Show on the morning of Saturday, May 18
Kirstie Allsopp (Devon County Show)

Organisers are hoping to sell more than 100,000 tickets this year.

You can buy tickets online or pay at the gate. Parking is free of charge.