AN Edwardian one-man variety show is one of the new attractions at a leading museum’s agricultural show from bygone days.

Dave Armstrong will perform Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show for visitors to Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, which is staging the popular annual event from Thursday to Sunday (September 18 to 21) in its grounds.

His act includes magic, juggling, unicycling, balance and illusion and is choreographed to tunes of the times.

The show is part of the open air museum’s Great North Festival of Agriculture, which focuses on how farming helped shape the region in its industrial heyday.

The museum and its staff and volunteers are recreating a typical early-1900s country show.

Dr Twist’s Photographarium is another new feature, at which visitors can smile for the camera and get an Edwardian-style portrait.

Other attractions include archery, alpacas, bees and birds of prey, crafts, displays of Cumbrian Wrestling, Toss the Sheaf and Welly-Wanging competitions.

A period Ferguson Tractor trade stand and a Scout camp will also feature and on Thursday and Friday (September 18 and 19)

local schools will take part in horticultural, artwork and scarecrow-making competitions.

Throughout the event a craft marquee will host spinners, weavers, matters and quilters, and an industry section marquee will host cooks, knitters, photographers, and winemakers.

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information and admission charges visit www.beamish.org.uk or call 0191-370 4000.