ORGANISERS of a traditional agricultural show in Sedgefield are gearing up for its summer return.

The 165th Sedgefield and District Agricultural Show takes place on Saturday, August 11, and according to the committee has already attracted a large amount of interest and support.

Held on the Robert Brown Show Field, West Park, Sedgefield, the show has continued to grow over its life of more than one-and-a-half centuries and record numbers of entries and visitors are expected next month.

Ian Mason, show chairman, said, “After the increasing success and interest in Sedgefield Show, we are once again excited for this year’s event bringing new attractions in the hope to increase attendees from a record number last year.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind support and commitment.”

The show committee has this year developed a new event logo and branding which they hope will appeal to loyal supporters and help promote it further afield.

Attendants are being promised the usual family-friendly offer including local produce and livestock.

Gates open at 10am and marquees will open at midday from when show-goers can enjoy activities including competitions and displays comprising agricultural classes for horses, ponies and donkeys, vintage tractors, a classic car display, small livestock, horticulture and a Crufts qualifier dog show.

The cattle and sheep and goat classes will once again make a return along with the heavy horse category.

There will also be a funfair and a birds of prey centre ring attraction plus several marquees with craft stalls, horticultural displays, home produce and handicrafts.

A popular food hall will return offering a range of local and regional delicacies.

In the horticulture marquee visitors can view the prize vegetables, home and farm produce that will be on display, along with floral arrangements.

A wide range of stalls offering designer individual products will also be present in the show’s new for 2018 shopping marquee.

A committee spokesperson said: “In an effort to sustain this local event, which promotes activities on which villages like Sedgefield have been dependant on for such a long time, the show committee would like to thank the many supporters whose commitment allows unique events such as Sedgefield Agricultural Show to bring local people, industries and traditions together.”

Entries are open until July 27. Car parking is free.

For details visit sedgefieldshow.co.uk