Muddy car parks at the
Kent County Show. Picture: Ruth Cuerden

Kent County Show organisers have promised the show WILL go
on tomorrow after being forced to close the gates today.

Muddy conditions in the car parks at the Kent Showground led to
visitors being turned away for the first time in 83 years.

But emergency work at the Detling site this afternoon
has left show organisers confident for the weekend.

Some vehicles had to be towed from car parks after conditions
deteriorated following heavy rain overnight.

Hundreds of tonnes of extra bark chippings and aggregate have
now been laid around the car parks and paths.

George Jessel, chairman of Kent County Agricultural Society,
said: "Following extensive work on the car parks all afternoon, we
are pleased to confirm the show will be open as planned on Saturday
and Sunday.

"We had no rain today, which has helped considerably with our
repairs, and the weather for the next few days is much better."

Mud forced the Kent
County Show to turn away visitors. Picture: Jess Benham

Fewer than 10,000 people were estimated to already be
at the Kent Showground when the move was made to close the car
parks at about 11am.

The three-day show normally attracts 80,000 visitors - and
up to 25,000 people were expected today.

Organisers had been hoping for record numbers this year and were
said to be devastated to have to close the car parks.

They had been adamant yesterday the show would go on -
despite torrential rain battering the county.

But the car parks and entrances deteriorated this morning
after heavy downpours last night.

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This year’s show will also include motorcycle display teams and
arena events; a Spitfire flypast and floral displays; Kent Young
Farmers and birds of prey, along with hundreds of stalls.

The KM Group has a new location at this year's show - plot
292, close to the Go Ape stand and blue helter skelter.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at hosting the kmfm
breakfast show as well as have their picture taken holding Charlton
Athletic Football Club’s recently acquired NPower League 1
trophy.

Manager Chris Powell will be there to meet fans this
afternoon and visitors will be able to have a go at shooting at an
inflatable goal.

The KM Group’s promotions team will also be on hand giving out
papers and goodie bags.

Sandy Tedbury came first
with her Highland cow, Lilly of Harden, at the Kent County Show
today