BUMPER entries and new attractions are promised when the 147th Great Yorkshire Show opens at Harrogate on July 12.

Polo matches are played during the three-day show for the first time, with two teams from Beverley Polo Club, in East Yorkshire, staging daily demonstration matches in the main ring.

Also making their first appearance are the Royal Armouries, who bring a medieval village, complete with castle and multi-coloured tents. There are displays of foot combat; two men in full armour, each weighing 80lbs, will use poleaxes to "fight to the death." Visitors can handle the weapons and experts will answer questions on medieval warfare.

The emphasis of the event continues to be farming and the countryside and a new attraction is the Great Yorkshire cheese and dairy show cookery theatre where regional food produce is prepared and tasted.

Main ring displays include the Royal Artillery motorcycle display team, while the Normandy Band of the Queen's Division provides music. There is also the traditional top class show jumping.

About 8,000 animals take part in competitive classes and parades over the three days.

For the first time there is a special area for farmers, the Farmers' Meet, where they can hear about the latest in the industry, socialise, enjoy refreshments and catch up on the day's events.

Show director, Christopher Hall said: "The Great Yorkshire Show remains the premier showcase for both farm and country in the North of England. All the signs are that this will be one of the best yet; our entry figures for the competitive classes are up, trade stands are at an all-time high with increases in the number of agricultural businesses represented, and we have lots of new elements, for example, polo and the Royal Armouries' demonstration. All in all it will be a great three days."

Tickets at the gate are £16 for adults, £12 for concessions, £7 for children aged five to 18, and £42 for a family ticket admitting two adults and three children. There are savings on tickets bought before July 6.

The ticket hotline number is 01423 541222 and the general show telephone number is 01423 541000. Discounts are available to people travelling by train and buying rail and show tickets in advance, tel 0845 600 1159.

Parking is free, dogs are not allowed on the showground. A free shuttle bus operates from Harrogate railway station to the showground. Details of the show are on the web site www.greatyorkshireshow.org.

* New business launch: page 16

* Cheese show entries up: page 17