Exhibitors, Countryside Alliance activists and hunt workers marched from the Countryside area to disrupt the society lunch laid on by organisers, at which Mr Rendel – who voted to ban the bloodsport last week – was a guest.

Newbury.net first revealed news of the protest on Friday, but details remained under wraps until noon on Saturday, when the show crowds peaked. The Berkshire Drag Hounds and Vine and Craven Hunt were among those attempting to enter the tent where the lunch was being held, before stewards stepped in.

One protester, gamekeeper James Gelling told newbury.net: “Everyone wants to let off steam. We’re not going to go away.”

Apart from this interlude, the familiar show format went to plan, with the new traffic management scheme appearing to work well, and crowds expected to top 60,000 by the end of Sunday.

With more than 500 cattle entries, the livestock ring was busy all day, while the sheep, goats and poultry – from turkeys and geese to ducks and hens – attracted interest from farm hands and families alike.

In the countryside area, wild boar, red deer, otters, owls, wolves, ferrets and bees kept the youngsters fascinated with displays where possible. Gamekeepers from West Woodhay also showed off their skills with spaniels, while children stroked the hounds and puppies from the hunting community.

Only two Berkshire food producers were visible in the food tent – Greens butchers of Pangbourne and Shepherds Bakery of Chieveley – while local potter Julian Bellmont of Kintbury represented the local contribution in the craft tent.

Local representation was still fairly strong among the stands, with Hogans Music, Thames Valley Police, Vodafone, Newbury College, and Burghfield Guide Dogs for the Blind all on show.