The Royal Norfolk Show promises an "action-packed" programme when it returns next month - along with a proud celebration of the county's inspirational young people.
The annual summer showcase will be held at the Norfolk Showground on June 26 and 27.
It will feature 700 trade stands, more than 3,000 animals, Norfolk's biggest food and drink experience, and a Grand Ring schedule ranging from Cossack horse stunts and RAF parachutists to top-class showjumping competitions and a Shetland Pony derby.
Show organisers are hoping for another bumper crowd like last year, when almost 80,000 visitors - including the Prince of Wales - flocked through the gates.
Mark Nicholas, managing director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), said everything was on course for a barnstorming show.
"Preparations are going extremely well," he said. "Never at this stage before the show have we been so close to having trade stands and corporate hospitality sold out - we are really buoyed by that."
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH
The main theme for this year's event will be "Young Achievers" - a chance to shine a spotlight on the efforts of Norfolk's younger generation.
It will culminate in the Young Diamonds tribute in the Grand Ring, where nominated individuals will be addressed by show president and Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt.
“The aim of the tribute is to highlight the many individual and collective achievements of young people – whether they be a young carer, have achieved something at the highest level or have added value to their community,” said Mr Nicholas.
"It could be anything from a 16-year-old carer who is looking after a terminally-ill parent, through to a 16-year-old who has just been selected to play tennis for England, and everybody in between.
“We wish to say thank you to all those young people who do so much for our communities and good causes and to acknowledge their example in a high-profile setting.”
GRAND RING NEWCOMERS
Other Grand Ring highlights include two impressive new attractions making their Royal Norfolk Show debuts.
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School Marching Band, who had the privilege of performing at the King’s Coronation last year, will be performing on both days.
And Benjamin Atkinson's Action Horse Team will exhibit the "power and grace of horses" in a dance of dressage, made famous by the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, and Cossack trick riding, which adds adrenaline, acrobatics and speed to this stunning show.
Mr Nicholas said: "It is an action-packed Grand Ring programme this year.
"In line with the Young Achievers theme, we are thrilled to welcome the Duke of York Military School Marching Band for the first time to the Royal Norfolk Show.
"And Ben Atkinson is a big international display artist who will wow the crowd with his Cossack horse-riding stunts.
"Meanwhile, we welcome back the very popular Shetland Pony Derby, the RAF Falcons [parachute display team] will also be back, and a range of equestrian competition including the ever-popular heavy horses, scurry, and British Showjumping Association competitions."
Mr Nicholas added that the show team was proud to have been awarded a record 36 Horse of the Year Show qualifiers this year - expected to attract renowned riders to Norfolk.
A YEAR OF ANNIVERSARIES
The show will mark a number of anniversaries this year, including the 70th year since the event was first held at the purpose-built showground in Costessey in 1954, and the 50th anniversary of the show's popular art gallery.
The Norfolk Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (Norfolk YFC) is celebrating its 80th anniversary while, also commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The Young Farmers will showcase a range of machinery and farming techniques from the 1940s up until the present day, while showing how farming could change in the future.
FOOD AND FARMING
The traditional agricultural heartbeat of the show remains as strong as ever, with a full programme of livestock competitions scheduled - including the return of small livestock and poultry for the first time since the Covid pandemic, following recent avian influenza outbreaks.
And amid the aisles of hi-tech tractors and farm machines, the nationally-renowned Burke trophy for machinery innovations will be on offer for the winner of a competition run by the Norfolk Farm Machinery Club (Normac).
Foodies will be pleased to hear that the Adnams Food and Drink Experience is already sold out with 120 stands ready to "sizzle the taste buds with their range of Norfolk food and drink produce", said Mr Nicholas, adding: "It is the biggest in the county, if not one of the biggest in the UK."
Among the countless new products being launched at the show will be the official Royal Norfolk Show cocktail - a "summer pudding gin fizz" produced in partnership with local firms Niche cocktails and Bullards gin.
EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Young Achievers theme also supports a "renewed and refreshed" education offering at the show, including the return of the STEMM Village, focusing on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
Mr Nicholas said: "That again looks like it is going to be an absolute sell-out, with organisations bringing in some really interesting kit – wind turbines, electric planes, all sorts of things to showcase the strength of STEMM related activity going on in the county."
The STEMM Village will be in a new location alongside the Discovery Zone and the agricultural demonstration area.
Another new addition for 2024 is the Health and Wellbeing Village, featuring organisations dealing in health, care, medical and wellbeing services, while the Emergency Services and Military Villages offer a chance for people to meet "real-life community heroes" and learn about the skills, equipment and adventures of police, fire service and military personnel.
Meanwhile, showgoers will be entertained with events and music across the showground, including a Battle of the Bands competition - part of the continuing partnership with the Norfolk Music Hub which will also feature a set-piece performance in the Grand Ring involving hundreds of young people.
The Royal Norfolk Show takes place at the Norfolk Showground on June 26 and 27. For full details and tickets, see www.royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
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