THOUSANDS of people will flock to the 164th Hadleigh Show tomorrow for a grand day out in the countryside.

By Amanda Cresswell

Amanda.cresswell@eveningstar.co.uk

THOUSANDS of people will flock to the 164th Hadleigh Show tomorrow for a grand day out in the countryside.

Horse jumping, livestock and rural crafts will be on the agenda at the event - which last year saw a record number of visitors.

Last minute preparations are underway for Hadleigh's biggest event of the year to promote agriculture and country life.

The event, organised by Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association, is in the picturesque setting of Holbecks Park (sign-posted from the centre of Hadleigh) and promises to be a fun day out for all the family.

Its 80 trade-stands vary from farm machinery and fertilisers to commercial enterprises selling country clothing, garden plants, furniture, cars and crafts.

Although it is mainly an agricultural show, it has a host of attractions for all including livestock and equestrian competition classes, sheep shearing demonstration, food hall selling local produce and all day-flower arranging demonstrations.

One of the many crowd pullers in the main ring will be The Kangeroo Kid who will be performing stunts with quad bikes.

Other attractions will be terrier racing, Essex and Suffolk Foxhounds, a show of vintage tractors plus show jumping.

Show secretary Barbara Jones, said: "The show attracts between 10,000 to 12,000 visitors a year and is one of the oldest shows in the country. The idea is to promote agriculture and to educate the public a bit about what goes on in the countryside."

The show will be held at the home of the late Sir Joshua Rowley. His daughter, Mrs Emily Holden, has inherited her father's title of honorary president as well as the task of presenting all the cups and rosettes at the grand parade.

Other attractions include an art exhibition, flower show, rural crafts marquee, clay pigeon shooting, gun dog scurry and a funfair.

Gates open at 8am. Entrance on the day is £15 per car (including all passengers). Entry for pedestrians is £5 on the day, children £2.

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