Wow! That was some show.

The crowds turned up in record numbers, the weather for the most was perfect and the atmosphere for this year's Royal Highland Show had that all-important feel good factor. So much so, that 'early bird' tickets have already been released for the 2024 show.

The stats show that when the gates closed on this year's event, 217,000 people had flocked to the show over four days – which is dangerously close to the show's full capacity of 220,000. That included 26,000 school children who were given free tickets for the show.

One of the highlights, of course, was the Golden Shears competition which welcomed shearers, wool handlers and visitors from across the globe to Ingliston for a truly spectacular event.

READ MORE: A look back at the Royal Highland Show 2023 in pictures

Again, using digital technology, the eyes of the world were on Ingliston again this year with more than 140,000 views across 113 countries on the show’s streaming platform, RHS TV, to watch show jumping, traditional skill displays, livestock judging and of course the excitement around the Golden Shears. that extra use of IT capability did cause a downside, though, as traders, stand holders and visitors (and the press) experienced some downtime to their IT systems and phones.

It was pretty full on in terms of high profile visitors to the show. HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, is a firm favourite of farmers and she exhibited her extensive knowledge of livestock and topical subjects while there – and also managed to present the Sir William Young Award to two staff who look after the Balmoral Highland ponies and Highland cattle, Sylvia and Dochy Ormiston, which certainly made their day.

Some of Scotland's biggest political players were also in the 'ring' to be judged on their commitment to farming and that included First Minister Humza Yousaf, who perhaps surprised some with his ability to listen – but not as far as the Bute House agreement with the Scottish Greens was concerned.

But if you wanted to touch base with any political party, then the Highland was the place to be, with all of the major parties represented pretty full on, including Lorna Slater from the Scottish Greens, who 'bearded the lions in their den'.

Of course, the livestock looked stunning in the sunshine and as the inter-breed beef judge Keith Redpath pointed out when judging the teams of four: "This really is one of the greatest spectacles in the world."

Highlights for this year’s show included over 280 trophies, awarded to the more than 5000 cattle, sheep, horses, and goats competing. Including the Queen's Cup that went to the Hanna family from Northern Ireland – back-to-back winners for the first time.

The Flock to the Show campaign, featuring decorated sheep sculptures, also concluded at the show, with many of them dotted around the showground. After travelling the length and breadth of Scotland, the 38-strong flock will now be auctioned off on September 7, with all proceeds going towards the RHASS Bicentenary Fund to supports projects in the rural sector dedicated to mental health, sustainability, succession, and women in agriculture.

Another of the great additions to this year's show, was the Royal Highland Hoolies to the evenings of Friday and Saturday nights. Presented in partnership with Farmers Bash, this saw country music legends, like Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Derek Ryan, perform to something like 4500 people.

RHASS head of show, David Tennant, commented: "As we wrap up another phenomenal Royal Highland Show, we are delighted to have welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors pass through the gates. The strong demand is testament to the fact that the Show has major appeal way beyond the loyal farming community – anyone and everyone can find something to enjoy, no matter your interest.

“Our thanks go out to the hundreds of staff who make this possible, and the RHASS directors who give up their time year-round to make this incredible event possible."

Sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, next year’s Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, 20-23 June 2024. For those already planning to go next year, a limited number of Super Early Bird tickets have been released today via the Show’s website (royalhighlandshow.org), priced at £30 with children 15 and under free to attend.