CROWDS have flocked to the Green in Denbigh today for the annual celebration of country life.

The usual high Denbigh and Flint Show standards are being seen in livestock judging were seen as competitions got off to an early start this morning.

As well as the agricultural competitions, the entertainment on show is wide and varied.

North Wales AM, Llyr Gruffydd, said: “It's always a brilliant show and this year it seems to be particularly busy.

“It's lovely to see so many young families here enjoying all that there is to see and that's one of the great things about this show is that there is so much to see and do. It is a wonderful celebration for our farmers and rural communities.”

Despite the good atmosphere at the show, several serious issues facing farmers have been discussed.

There have been seminars on the crisis in commodity prices facing farmers held by both the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) and the National Farmer's Union (NFU Cymru) John Davies the deputy president of the union in Wales who said that farmers need to encourage to ask for Welsh and British produce in supermarkets.

Mayor of Denbigh, Raymond Bartley felt that the show boosts trade in Denbigh.

He said: “It is a wonderful event and it seems to get bigger every year, it is always very popular and it does help the pubs in town on the night of the show and hopefully it will encourage the people who are visiting here to return to Denbigh in the future.”

The Denbighshire and Flintshire Agricultural Society's vice chairwoman, Janet Storey said: “We were worried about the rain on Wednesday as it looked like it could have been bad for the show but it held off and the crowds have been very good on the day and people have enjoyed themselves greatly.”

Entertainment has continued throughout the day with performances from the Imps Motorcycle Display Team drawing large crowds to the main ring where people also enjoyed high quality show jumping that included international star Geoff Billington.

One well known show character, Russell Rees Davies, aged 81, from Bagillt, got to the show early to enjoy the livestock competitions.

Mr Davies, who was a farmer in Cefn Meiriadog for many years, has carved out a niche for himself as an animal impressionist.

And he used the show as an opportunity to practice his craft.

He said: “I have been coming to the show since 1950 and I think it is a wonderful show with lots of great quality stock. There is always a lovely atmosphere here and it's great to hear Welsh being spoken.

“Earlier I was in the poultry tent and one of the farmers recognised me and asked me to impersonate a cockerel so I gave it a go and I am still able to do it.”

Pick up your Free Press on Wednesday for a Denbigh and Flint Show picture special with photographs by Don Jackson-Wyatt.