Tens of thousands of people thronged to the NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch today despite cool weather.

Organisers say total numbers attending the three-day event exceeded expectations, with the final figure more than 115,000.

Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association chair Stewart Mitchell said the Show has been a huge success.

“Cantabrians and visitors here for the weekend have shown how much they enjoy having The Show up and running again and have come out in their droves. We’re immensely grateful for the public’s overwhelmingly positive feedback and also to our sponsors and exhibitors for their huge support.

Mitchell said “it’s a fantastic demonstration of how the farming community and city folk can mix and enjoy each other’s company. I’d also like to acknowledge the significant support of ChristchurchNZ and the city council to help us get this Show back on the road again.”

Kids coming for free was a huge drawcard and welcomed by families, according to Tracy Ahern, The Show’s general manager.

“We really wanted to focus on youth, and it’s been fantastic to see the joy on the kids’ faces when getting close to so many farm animals. A lot of them don’t have the opportunity to do that in their daily lives and this is the only time they get to pat a lamb or see a pig up close.”