Thousands of visitors flocked to the Hertfordshire County Show over the Bank Holiday weekend, undeterred by the wet weather and car park chaos on Sunday.

Paying punters were turned away at the gates on the second day of the annual event due to “exceptionally high numbers”, leading the show’s organisers to close the car parks.

A statement on the Herts County Show’s website said: “This is a decision we have not taken lightly and we apologise to everyone affected by this.

“All persons who are now unable to redeem their advance tickets will receive a full refund.”

More than 30,000 people rolled up to the Redbourn showground over the weekend, even though heavy rain fell on Saturday.

A bumper 24,000 people attended on Sunday, creating a new attendance record.

Mike Harman, general manager and show secretary, said: “Another absolutely fantastic weekend, combined with our emergency event organisational planning overcoming the wet weather related challenges.

“Having reached our maximum safety visitor numbers around 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon, we were obliged to close the admission gates in the interest of public safety.

“After the extremely testing weather but successful experiences of last weekend, we are looking forward to planning for the 2015 show with confidence and enthusiasm.”