The Royal Norfolk Show made its first surplus for 12 years after an "exceptional" comeback event entertained 80,000 visitors last summer, said organisers.

The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) announced its 2022 financial report during its annual meeting at the Norfolk Showground.

It revealed the organisation made a surplus of £182,621 from its operating activities last year, up from £99,644 in 2021.

And the biggest revenue source was the resurgent Royal Norfolk Show, which itself generated £1.475m, including a £310,000 surplus, as it returned after two Covid-related cancellations.

The financial success was attributed to the sizeable post-pandemic crowd and the "increasing efficiency of the business".

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Nicholas is managing director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association Mark Nicholas is managing director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (Image: Newsquest)

RNAA managing director Mark Nicholas said: "This is the first time the show as a standalone event has made a surplus in 12 years.

"The RNAA's overall surplus of £182,621 is firstly due to a very successful Royal Norfolk Show, but secondly we have diversified the commercial uses of the showground so we have got additional income streams, and thirdly is good housekeeping.

"We are delighted to have generated a surplus which can be reinvested in our charitable objectives to promote food and farming."

The report also highlights the increasing sustainability of the RNAA's events business, and the investment of more than £1m in the water and energy infrastructure at the Norfolk Showground.

Capital projects in the pipeline this year include a £750,000 extension to the Norfolk Events Centre venue and plans to develop a major food hall and market garden.

In his report, RNAA chairman Robert Alston says the return of the Royal Norfolk Show was "undoubtedly the principal achievement of 2022".

"The show was delivered with exceptional content, good visitor numbers and, importantly, within budget," he says.

"It was clear that the absence of the show had been keenly felt and it was a delight to witness the quality of the livestock showing and equestrian competitions as well as the buoyancy and buzz of business-to-business activity."