But it did not mean that the poet had been removed from his burial-place in Hucknall Parish Church.

Instead the competition – which involved placing a pin on a map of the showground – comprised a hunt for Byron the Mole!

A trail of broken and discarded umbrellas along one access to the venue summed up the show, with heavy rain during the morning compounded by a strong wind.

The weather inevitably took its toll of the attendance but it was still a big turnout and visitors did not let it spoil their enjoyment.

A late-1970s vibe ran through the entertainment and attractions to celebrate the birth of the show, which is the largest free event of its kind in the East Midlands.

One disappointment was the cancellation in the morning of two 'showcase' performances by young people from Hucknall Interchange on 'bullying' and 'stereotyping'.

But there were plenty of other attractions, including a reminder of the Beijing Olympics from the London Chinese Acrobat Company, whose displays included juggling and dragon dancing.

Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band kicked off the show and the breathtaking equine stunt display team, the Devil's Horsemen, gave a thrilling display in the main arena.

As always, Gordon Pearson's funfair – which also pays regular visits to Hucknall – was well represented and musical entertainment was provided by the ever-popular Bootleg Blues Brothers and Queen tribute band, Killer Queen.

Staff of Hucknall and Lammas (Sutton) Leisure Centres presented a health and fitness display and visitors were invited to use a rowing machine.

Meanwhle a host of stallholders sold jewellery, handicrafts and cosmetics in a craft fair marquee

In the horticultural tent, Hucknall's Wighay Allotments won first prize in a staged-display category which could include any type of vegetables, flowers, plants or herbs.

Commenting on the show, council leader, Coun Jason Zadrozny (Lib Dem), said he noticed that despite the daunting weather, many people had smiles on their faces as they walked around the showground.

Coun Zadrozny added that he was much impressed by a firework display that took place during the revived evening concert.