RECORD entries and a royal visit are promised for the 152nd Great Yorkshire Show.

Crowds of about 130,000 people are expected at the three-day event, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday next week at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

Among them will be the Princess Royal, who will meet exhibitors as a guest of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society on Tuesday.

Also on site will be celebrity chefs Rosemary Shrager and Ainsley Harriott, plus the national weather presenter John Kettley, Caroline Spelman, the Defra minister, and William Worsley, president of the National Farmers’ Union.

The highest entry figures ever have been announced across eight of the 24 competitive classes – cattle, sheep, pigs, angora goats, poultry, pigeons, horse-shoeing and cheese.

Cattle numbers have shot up to 1,226 compared with 844 a decade ago, while pig entries have doubled since 2000.

The entry figures bring the total number to 12,020, one of the highest in recent years, almost reaching last year’s all-time high of 12,189.

Bill Cowling, show director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted, as it is a clear indication of the high regard in which the show is held and our sales of advance tickets have been excellent.”

He added: “We are now without doubt England’s premier agricultural event, with quality stock here in numbers.”

Organisers say phone lines were red hot on Tuesday, when a record-breaking 700 advance tickets were sold in one day.

The advance ticket line has now closed but reduced priced tickets are still available from show offices at the showground and at the Fodder shop and cafe, as well as some Tourist Information Centres and at a number of Morrisons Supermarkets. Gates open at 7.30am on Tuesday morning, parking is free and extensive, but organisers say, if possible, use public transport or car share. There are free shuttle buses from Harrogate Railway Station throughout the three days. Otherwise visitors should follow the signed routes.

For more information visit greatyorkshireshow.co.uk