Show preview went down a storm

A flavour of what's to come at this year's East of England Country Show has been unveiled by the organiser of this popular 3-day event - the East of England Agricultural Society, at a special 'Show Preview' held at the Showground in Peterborough on May 10.

Well attended by over 50 dignitaries from across the East Anglia region, a special presentation by Andrew Mercer, Chief Executive of the Society, gave an insightful look into the Country Show and how it has evolved to remain one of the fastest growing country and lifestyle events in the UK.

Encompassing all aspects of the countryside and country living, the event attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, making it the largest event held on the 250 acre site and with advance ticket sales already up by a clear percentage year on year, is shaping up to be even bigger and better.

Lisa Bradshaw of Jade Gardens, Peterborough exhibiting at the preview said, 'Following my success at last year's Country Show in the Garden Design Competition, I have managed to set up my own business on the strength of leads gained through the show and I am looking forward to exhibiting with my company at this year's event'.

Alongside the many traditional features, such as Farm Livestock, Working Steam and Vintage Machinery, visitors can also discover a new Flower & Garden Pavilion, local schools competing in the Grand Final of the Schools Food Challenge and a Celebrity Chef Cook-off with Nick Nairn and Paul Rankin on Saturday and Sunday. Free evening concerts include special performances from The Band of the RAF Regiment (The Band plays by permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council) on Friday and The Manfreds on Saturday.

Advanced tickets are priced at Family (2 adults + 2 children) £22, Adult £10, Senior (65+) £7 and Children (5-16 years) £3 and are available at many Tourist Information Centres and selected travel agents across the region. Alternatively book by telephone – 0845 450 6425 or download an advanced ticket booking form from the Website – www.showground.org.uk. On-the-gate-admission: Family (2+2) £26, Adult £13, Senior (65+) £9 and Children (5-16 years) £6. Gates open from 8.00am – 6pm and car parking is FREE, with a network of level tarmac roads for ease of access for the disabled. NB: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a full paying adult and dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

The East of England Showground is easily accessible by car from all major routes and is well sign-posted. Rail passengers should travel to Peterborough Station (located approximately 6 miles from the Showground) from where a shuttle bus service will be in operation.