THE three-day Southampton Show was officially opened by television comedy couple Terry Scott and June Whitfield.

The date was July 7, 1978, when they were led by a military band and arrived at the common showground n a horse-drawn carriage.

After the ceremony to kick things off, they toured the show site visiting marquees and exhibitions.

Thousands of people watched the ceremony and more flooded in to the site in the first few hours of the city’s prestige event.

It had cost £58,000 to stage the show which meant at least 55,000 people would have to attend to break even.

More than 400 local organisations were represented in displays and exhibitions, with 200 trade stands.

One of the most spectacular events of the show was the top diver Alan Harrison who, three times a day, was hoisted by a crane before throwing himself himself into sponges 70ft below.

The crowds were entertained with flamenco dancing, wrestling, sheepdog trials, bands, DJs and more.