CHESHIRE’S annual celebration of its agricultural heritage will be all the more special this year, with a member of the Royal family on the guestlist for the Tabley Showground event.

Preparations are well under way for the Cheshire County Show, to be held on Tuesday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 20.

And organisers are set to welcome Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex to the opening day of activities, in a visit which will mark the first time in 12 years a Royal has attended the show.

Tony Garnett, show chairman, said: “HRH the Countess of Wessex is passionate about agriculture and the countryside and I’m delighted that we are able to welcome her to see the excellent work done by the farming community in Cheshire.”

Visitors to the two-day extravaganza are also set to enjoy a variety of livestock, horse and dog shows, including the first competition class for the Sussex breed cattle and the Pygmy Goat Club National Breed Show, both coming to a northern event for the first time.

Thrill-seekers will relish the action-packed schedule in the main ring, where top quad bike and motorbike stunt rider Jason Smyth will show off his skills, as well as live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band.

An array of culinary delights will be up for grabs in the Roberts Bakery Food Hall, and top chefs including Brian Mellor and Nigel Haworth will show off the tricks of their trade in live cookery demonstrations in the Roberts Bakery Food Live Theatre.

Nigel Evans, executive director of the show, said: “In recent years we have grown to become one of the biggest county shows in the country.

“Whether its the chance to get up close to a range of different animals, try a range of mouth-watering foods, or just relax and soak up the glorious Cheshire countryside we pride ourselves on having something for everyone.”

For further information and to buy tickets visit cheshirecountyshow.org.uk.