The president of the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society, Stephen Beer, has been involved with the show since 1976.

''I came onto council in 1979. The first time, I was president from 1995 to 2001, and then this is my first show back the second time around. I've been vice-president for 25 years or so.''

Mr Beer said getting the mix between entertainment and animals right was always the biggest balancing act, but it had been a big year for animals and special attractions.

''We were aiming for the 18 to 25-year-old market with our special attractions on the main arena,'' Mr Beer said.

Despite new attractions for the younger crowd, he said the show's tradition as an agricultural event was not under threat. He said this year's show included an estimated 550 sheep and 1700 dogs, with 16 breeds of cattle on show, no one breed of which featured.

''It was definitely an agricultural show, with an educational slant,'' he said.

Walking around the show, the smiles of children spending up big on sideshow alley brought him joy, but it's the cattle pens that always beckon him.

''My favourite has always been the Hereford breed and the Poll Herefords, they are just a fascinating animal. They're very good-looking beasts, and they're great to work with.''

Mr Beer said that while the show was growing, the number of visitors remained fairly constant.

During the centenary last year, 100,000 people attended, up from 98,000 in 2012.

Mr Beer said organisers again hoped to attract 100,000 visitors this year.

''There is not a dramatic change in the numbers coming through the gates, to be honest. It's static, but we are hoping to grow it slightly.''