The poll, conducted at the Showground exits, was designed to collect key demographic information on visitors and explore the reasons for their visit, how far they had travelled, their length of stay, buying habits and spending power.

And 19% of visitors - just under one fifth - were there for the first time, while 43% had no connection with farming or agricultural related industries.

Males aged between 30 and 45 form the dominant demographic, but it seems the traditional gender gap is closing, as more and more women are accompanying male family members (60% male: 40% female) to the annual event.

Nine per cent of visitors travelled to the King's Hall from the Republic and while all postal districts across Northern Ireland were represented, the show is attracting greater numbers from South Down and North Antrim/Londonderry.

When asked what had prompted their visit, 37% of respondents cited a " good day out", 16% visited "out of curiosity", while 15% came out of habit.

Royal Ulster Agricultural Society chief executive Colin McDonald said: " We are obviously delighted that so many of the visitors feel that the show is meeting their needs and expectations.

"The poll has provided us with some food for thought."