The gates will open at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park for the final time tomorrow with an expected 100,000 visitors.
The event has become an institution in the rural calendar and many Warwickshire farmers see it as their main county show.
Its history spans 170 years and, with the exception of the World Wars, and when there was cattle plague and Foot and Mouth Disease, it has taken place every year.
In 1963 Stoneleigh hosted its first Royal Show, with crowds of 111,916 people over four days. But in recent years the show has been blighted by bad weather, and in 2008, Bluetongue, which significantly reduced the numbers of livestock shown, and consequently visitors to the showground.
Redditch sheep farmer Adam Quinney, NFU regional chairman for the West Midlands, said he was upset to see the show end but added it was inevitable with more specialised events growing popular.
He said: “Everybody will always remember the last show. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of breeders desperate to win a last rosette and I reckon it will be a good turnout.
“The Royal Show is a great place to meet up with other people and it’s going to be sadly missed.”
Despite being the last ever, its organisers the Royal Agricultural Society of England, believe the 160th show will be the biggest and best of recent years.
Denis Chamberlain, RASE marketing director, said: “There will be a really special buzz around the showground, because this is the last show.
“Exhibitors are travelling from across the country and beyond to vie for a chance to take home a piece of history – and win one of the last prestigious Royal rosettes. We are determined to give everyone a great show.”
The final show will begin with a pageant paying tribute to its history, followed by a programme in the Grand Ring, cookery and craft demonstrations, countryside pursuits, an extended farmers’ market and food halls.
