If you’re heading to the Suffolk Show – or just driving in the east Ipswich area today and tomorrow – be ready to be stuck in long traffic queues.

Ipswich Star: Excitement is building ahead of this year's Suffolk Show Picture: SUFFOLK AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONExcitement is building ahead of this year's Suffolk Show Picture: SUFFOLK AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION (Image: Suffolk Agricultural Association)

Suffolk police have warned that journeys in that part of the town are likely to take a long time today – although there are no major roadworks in that area of Ipswich this week.

The sheer volume of traffic heading to the site means there may be some hold-ups, particularly near the A12/ A14 Seven Hills junction.

Special routes to the showground from different parts of the area have been signposted, and the advice from police and highways officials is that all drivers should follow the yellow signs taking them to Trinity Park.

Do not use a Sat Nav to try to beat the queues.

Ipswich Star: Traffic is expected to build up on nearby roads as thousands flock to the Suffolk Show Picture: SIMON PARKERTraffic is expected to build up on nearby roads as thousands flock to the Suffolk Show Picture: SIMON PARKER

There are also special routes away from Trinity Park at the end of the day – again drivers are asked to follow these to try to avoid causing problems on smaller routes away from the showground.

What route should I take?

Drivers approaching the show along the A12 from Woodbridge will be directed along the Bucklesham village route.

Those approaching from the west along the A14 are asked to use lane one after the Orwell Bridge, to minimise the disruption for vehicles travelling to Felixstowe, and to then come off at the Seven Hills A14/ A12 roundabout.

Drivers are encouraged to use both lanes on the slip road off the A14 and then utilise two lanes around the roundabout itself towards the showground.

Traffic from Ipswich should make use of arrangements along Bucklesham Road to access Gate 4, while those approaching from Felixstowe should follow signs off the A14 prior to the Seven Hills junction.

Motorists are being asked to follow these routes in reverse when leaving the showground, with two lanes of traffic flowing from Gate 10 back to the Seven Hills interchange.

When do gates open?

The gates of the Suffolk Show open at 7am on both days – and all the tradestands will be open from 8.30am until 6pm on both days.

The last entry on both days is 5.30pm – and there is plenty of entertainment to keep the attention of visitors.

The times of the attractions in the Grand Ring and other rings can be found in the official show guide.

The Grand Parade is the highlight in the Grand Ring on both days with winning exhibits shown off – it is held at 4.15pm today and 3pm on Thursday.

Another popular attraction in the ring is expected to be the Bolddog Lings motorcycle stunts crew – showing off the kind of riding you hopefully won’t see on the streets of Suffolk.

Titan the Robot is returning to the show again – he is always a popular attraction with younger visitors – and this year there is a smartphone app that can be downloaded to give you details about the show as it happens.

• Keep up with all the action at this year’s show by following our live feed.