Thousands flocked to the Agricultural Exhibition yesterday — with even larger crowds expected today.

Kirk Kitson, a member of the executive committee for the show, said: “We are getting so many people we are running out of tickets.

“Our people at the gates need resupplies.”

He expected more than 8,000 people to attend the island’s biggest show yesterday as the weather took a turn for the better.

Mr Kitson said: “This is a great day; we are very lucky with the weather today.”

He added: “This is an opportunity for people to show their artistic talent. We have hundreds and hundreds of student entries from students who are very proud of their entries.

“We have an unbelievable selection of chickens and pigeons and rabbits. If you didn’t see it, you wouldn’t believe how many different types of chickens we have.”

Children and adults turned out in force to see the animals, plants, arts and talent on display.

Mahtorrie Wilkinson, a teacher at Harrington Sound Primary School, took pupils from Camp Pioneers to the show, which featured top US dog act Canine Stars.

Ms Wilkinson said: “They are loving it. We are definitely enjoying it. My children just watched the dog show and they were amazed.

“A lot of them have family dogs so they want to go home and teach their dogs.”

The children were also delighted to see the range of horses, pigs, goats and chickens.

Ms Wilkinson said: “This is the first time some of them have been up close and personal with these types of animals so it is great exposure for them.”

Ilna Van Niekerk, a Bermuda High School pupil, said: “For me, the most enjoyable was the dog act. I like the South Korean dog.”

Jasmine Showers, a pupil at the Bermuda Institute, added: “I like the horses.”

Emmanuel Douglas, from Somerset Primary School, who won second prize for an art piece, was proud to have his work on display.

He said: “I am enjoying the food and the bouncy castle.”

Aaryn Wales, a Paget Primary School pupil, was a fan of the face painting.

Her father Aaron Wales said the show was an opportunity to enjoy a day out with his daughter. Mr Wales said: “I enjoy it. Every year I bring her. ”

Elaine Harris, a former teacher, said the Ag Show was a Bermudian tradition that she hoped would continue.

Ms Harris said: “I have a lot of regard for this occasion because it enables children to see what they don’t normally see, the plants, the animals. And they are able to display their own works of art.

“It’s just a pleasure to be here. I think it is a privilege to be able to come.”

Kim White, also a member of the show’s executive committee, said: “Many have already said they will join the exhibition next year. We welcome that, as we want more exhibitors.”

Mr White said the dog show was a favourite and people were enthralled to see the animals jump over high barriers, dance, race and skip.

He said people were also amazed by the items on display, which included woodwork and cakes made by CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute pupils.

Mr White added that people had also supported stallholders at the show. He said people should continue to support the vendors, who raised money for charity.

He said the Ag Show had raised $200,000 for charity over the past four years from vendors.

The show, at the Botanical Gardens in Paget, also has an entertainment tent, where schoolchildren can perform and a tent for seniors to relax, sponsored by Butterfield Bank.