Ipswich Nostalgia - Princess Alexandra visits the Suffolk Show

In today's nostalgia we go back to 1962 when a smiling Princess Alexandra charmed her way into the hearts of thousands at the Suffolk Show in Ipswich.

The Princess wore a coral pink duster coat with a matching turban-style tulle hat. On the lapel of her coat was a beautiful emerald and diamond brooch.

But it was her easy formality which really won the hearts of the crowds who followed her extensive tour of the show. Many times she stopped and chatted to young children who lined her route around the showground.

At the nursery tent run by the St John Ambulance Brigade about 50 children played happily when the Princess arrived.

Two little girls ran up to her and each took her hand as she walked into the tent. The Princess arrived at the show at 12.40pm and was greeted by the President, Lady Blanche Cobbold, and made an extensive tour before lunch, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, the Earl of Stradbroke.

Attendance of the show was only 500 short of the 1956 all-time record at the time. The final figure for the first day was 32,057.

Today, the popular agricultural show continues to spotlight the county's history and celebrates farming, food and drink production.

Day two's programme will see more show jumping, sheep dogs at work and the spectacular pageant to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, as well as other free events to take your fancy.