WEST Somerset’s largest and most prestigious agricultural event returns on Friday (August 15) with the country’s fourth heatwave of the summer seemingly guaranteeing visitors to Dunster Show can leave their umbrellas behind.

Show day forecasts are for sunshine all day with temperatures reaching 25 degrees and a light breeze to help keep it balmy.

The 177th annual show, which is sponsored by estate agents Wilkie May and Tuckwood, is being staged on Dunster Castle lawns, beside the A39 just outside Minehead.

It attracts a wide range of classes for horses, cattle, and sheep, with competitors arriving from all over the country.

This year’s event will also host qualifiers for the London International Horse Show and Royal International Horse Show.

Classes for horses include local favourite the Exmoor Pony, lead rein ponies, and working hunters.

It is organised by the Dunster Show Society, a registered charity, which aims to improve, promote, and encourage agriculture for the public benefit.

To support young people who represent the future of farming and rural life the society offers bursaries to local students who are studying land-based subjects.

The show also boasts a food and craft marquee, and a large range of trade stands selling everything from a new Land Rover to jewellery, and firepits to winter coats.

A variety of entertainment will be staged in the main ring, including stunt riders, vintage tractors, a sheep dog demonstration, and falconry.

There is also a funfair, ferret racing, a dog show, Punch and Judy, and circus entertainers, ensuring the show has something for the whole family.

Children under 17 years old have free entry when they are accompanied by a paying adult, but they still need to have booked a ticket.

Pre-Show discounted tickets are available until 11.59 pm on Thursday (August 14) after which they will be charged at gate prices.