BACK for the 178th time on Friday, August 21, Dunster Show will once again be packed with family entertainment to provide what the organisers describe as ‘a celebration of all that is great about the countryside’.

At least 10,000 visitors are expected to flock to the picturesque lawns beneath Dunster Castle to enjoy a day out at West Somerset’s largest agriculture show, with attractions ranging from horse, cattle, and sheep classes, a shopping village, fairground, and live music to suit all tastes.

The main arena attractions this year will include Jamie Squibb’s FMX free-style motocross, a Shetland Pony Grand National, parades of cattle, sheep, and horses supreme champions, and vintage tractors and vehicles.

Entertainment on the village green will range from Ron King’s Hot Six jazz band and Taunton Military Wives’ Choir, to a funfair, ferret racing, and face-painting.

On the showground, visitors can enjoy the Sheep Show, live music from the Rivertones, and ‘have a go’ dog agility.

There will be no shortage of children’s entertainment, including the Puppetree Company and Kevin’s Community Circus.

The shopping village will showcase local and national businesses selling everything from modern day agricultural machinery to hand-crafted jewellery, country clothing, range cookers, and pottery.

The food and craft halls will offer treats and temptations from oysters and Champagne to cheese and cider, handmade jewellery to fine art.

Horses and ponies will be shown in a number of rings, including local favourites Exmoor Ponies and Shetlands, and the popular livestock show will feature cattle, sheep, and fleeces.

A show spokesperson said: “The show truly has something for everybody and is an amazing celebration of West Somerset and Exmoor rural life.

“It is a ‘must’ day out for visitors to the area and locals alike.”

Tickets will be available on the gate at £22 for adults, or £19.50 in advance.