The gates to the 149^th annual show opened at 9am on Friday, with visitors flocking from Bathurst, the Central West and the Blue Mountains to attend.

Royal Bathurst Show Society president Sam Farraway said the show was off to a good start on Friday and said continuing good weather will be a huge factor in crowd numbers.

“We’re blessed with the weather, considering what kind of weather we had a few days ago,” he said.

Mr Farraway said while Friday was traditionally the slowest day of the annual show, there were still good crowds in all attractions and exhibitions.

“From my years in being involved with the Bathurst Show, it take a few hours to get going on a Friday,” he said.

However, he said the real test of the show’s popularity this year will be Saturday, especially since the dates have fallen outside the school holidays.

Mr Farraway said there are many highlights across the weekend, including a fireworks spectacular at 8.30pm on Saturday.

Team D-MAX will show off their precision driving skills in the main arena at 1pm, 6.30pm and 8.15pm on Saturday.

The official opening will be held in the main arena at 12.15pm on Saturday, following by the grand parade at 12.40pm.

A large number activities are free including animal displays, pavilion entries, live music and face painting. 

Weatherzone predict the weekend will be sunny, with a top of 17 degrees on Saturday and 20 on Sunday.