Cars had to be rescued by tractors at the Devon County Show today after they became stuck in the mud. Organisers said they would work to get visitors off the showground as quickly and safely as possible at the end of today’s event (May 18), despite the ground and weather conditions.

They said extra people, tow hooks and tractors would be sent to each car park to help. A statement from the Devon County Show posted on X (formerly Twitter) this evening said: “We are doing everything we can to get visitors and their cars off the showground quickly and safely, despite the difficult ground and weather.”

“We have sent additional staff, more tow hooks and tractors to each parking lot. Thank you for your patience while we resolve the issue.”

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A visitor whose car got stuck in the mud while trying to drive away shared a picture of his vehicle covered in mud after teams tried to pull it out. He said the vehicle they were trying to rescue also got stuck before a tractor arrived to help half an hour later.

The visitor told DevonLive: “After about 10 minutes, someone coming by in a 4WD tried to tow us away. But he got stuck too – hence the layer of mud as he tried to free himself. Someone with a tractor did a great job of towing people away and took about 30 minutes to get to us. Then it was quiet with a bit of queuing on the way out. Well organised rescue!”

Around 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the Devon County Show over the three days. The highly anticipated event will take place for the 128th time this weekend at the Westpoint Arena and Showground in Clyst St Mary, near Exeter.

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However, a combination of heavy rain and traffic on the roads has caused chaos in the area today (May 18), with frustrated motorists contacting DevonLive to report major problems on the road network.

The M5 was reportedly “completely choked” this morning, with routes to Exeter Services and beyond reportedly at a “complete standstill”. “Not a single car has been moving for at least an hour and a half,” one driver said.

Another motorist reported that the A379 was moving at a “snail’s pace” and that there was gridlock at the Devon Hotel roundabout as visitors flocked from all directions to the action-packed attraction, which opened this week.

A yellow Met Office thunderstorm warning is in force across Devon today, with some areas experiencing sudden flooding. Yealmpton, near Plymouth, was badly affected, with pictures showing people wading through the streets.