AROUND 135,000 visitors are expected to gather at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet next week, as the 155th Royal Bath & West Show gets underway. 

Taking place from May 30 to June 2, the popular event is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the country and includes over 50 hours of scheduled entertainment each day.

New for 2018 is the Farmers’ Big Ball Challenge, taking place daily in the Main Ring. This will see a group of skilful young farmers take on a series of entertaining agility challenges that involve manoeuvring 20 big blue balls using their tractor-driving prowess.

In addition, show jumping, inter-hunt relays and private driving will all return to the Main Ring, along with the popular Grand Parades of prizewinning livestock.

The Tractor Ted Farm Fun Zone will include a giant tractor bouncy castle, welly wanging, the Digger Den and the Tractor Ted Driving School. 

Interactive exhibits and demonstrations can be found in the Farming for the Family section, from milk tasting masterclasses and children’s cookery to butter making demonstrations and talks about hens. 

A range of farm animals including goats, pigs and poultry will be available for children to meet within the Farming for the Family marquee. 

The judging of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and more can be viewed throughout the show, with over 10,000 competitive entries in total. 
The event also includes British Cheese and Cider awards.

Rupert Cox, chief executive of the Royal Bath & West of England Society, said: “The event is all about entertainment.

“Everyone likes to see the wonderful farm animals and horses, everyone likes to taste great food and be entertained by an array of attractions, from tractors, axemen, ponies and their riders careering around the ring, to great live music under the big top, or a more sedate brand of music to be found around the bandstand, and this year is no exception.”

Information and tickets are available from www.bathandwest.com.