THE sun was beaming and the visitors were too, as actor and funnyman Windsor Davies declared Southampton Show officially open.

Overnight thunderstorms and torrential rain cleared to give the three-day show on Southampton Common a bright start.

Although the sun was out, the muddy ground made things difficult for exhibitors erecting their stands on the 50-acre site.

Among those were Southampton parks department which were showing off their runner beans and gooseberries as well as elegant flowers and trees. Ocean Youth Club were also there to try and encourage young people to adventure at sea on their yachts.

As well as stalls, visitors to the show also got to enjoy jousting, air displays, stunt bikes and more.

Although it rained at times, the show was loved by many – but that doesn’t mean things went off without a hitch.

A rare Oxford Sand and Black pig jumped out of a trailer on the M27 on it’s way to the show. Incredibly the animal hit the tarmac and rolled, suffering nothing more than a couple of grazes.

Strong winds spelled disaster for an Army Corps parachutist who seriously injured his hip and leg after crashing heavily into the arena in front of hundreds of horrified showgoers.

In those days days…

A pack of 20 cigarettes cost 58p.

Tracy Chapman’s self-titled album was the best seller.

Bros were top of the charts with I Owe you Nothing.

People may have been watching Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles on TV.

Gamers may have been playing Final Fantasy on the NES.

Top of the box office was Who Framed Roger Rabbit.