THIS Year’s New Forest and Hampshire County Show attracted a record crowd of 105,000, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the arena at New Park, Brockenhurst, resulting in the biggest number of spectators in the event’s 94-year history.

The figure is 1,000 higher than the previous record and 10,000 more than the show’s average attendance of 95,000.

Key factors in the success of the Daily Echo-backed event include the involvement of the Household Cavalry, which staged its world-famous musical ride twice a day.

Show secretary Denis Dooley said they were the highlight for many was the Household Cavalry.

He said: “The Household Cavalry made a big difference. Other reasons included the weather, which was perfect, and the fact that the show is growing in popularity year after year.”

Asked about the size of this year’s crowd he added: “I couldn’t be happier.”

Mr Dooley also announced that ticket prices would not increase next summer – the first time they have been frozen for five years.

“We just feel we’d like to give something back – it’s not all about the money,” he said.

Celebrities attending this year’s show included world darts champion Scott Mitchell, of Bransgore, who judged one of the livestock classes.

As reported in the Daily Echo, a huge number of vehicles converged on New Park on the opening day of the three-day celebration on July 28. The nationally-renowned event – one of the top ten agricultural shows in the country – proved even more popular the next day.

Car parks surrounding the showground reached bursting point by late morning after an estimated 10,000 vehicles surged through the entrance.

It sparked fears that staff would have to shut the gates and turn drivers away.

Show bosses were forced to take the highly unusual step of urging potential spectators to stay away.

They were encouraged to delay their visit by 24 hours, resulting in the third and final day attracting even more families than normal.

The previous record of 104,000 spectators was set several years ago.

A statement on the show’s website, written before this year’s crowd figure was confirmed, says 2015 was a “fantastic” year.

It adds: “With record entries in the sheep, pig and cattle classes, the livestock marquees were bigger than ever before.

“The WI had a fantastic show, not only celebrating their centenary year but also receiving more than 1,000 entries in 12 different classes, which is a show record.”