Thousands expected at village's 86th show

The show, which takes place at Corsley Heath, goes on all day, starting at 7am and will include the colourful Knights of Arkley who will hold a jousting tournament.

Somerset farmer John Whiteley will also present a sheepdog and farmyard rodeo.

Show secretary and organiser Jenny Rutty said: "The sheepdog rodeo is particularly fun. John does the show with some ducks and he encourages audience participation so some children usually get rounded up as well."

Mrs Rutty said the show has been incredibly popular over its 86 years but has actually been running longer than that.

"It started in the early 1900s, but there was a gap for the two wars. It started as a flower and village sports show and grew from that. I only know of the Frome cheese show that has been going longer."

Keen competition is expected this year in the horticultural tent as Mrs Rutty says traditionally there are onions the size of footballs.

Youngsters will also be competing in a sports event on the day, which includes a sprint, three-legged race and an egg and spoon race.

Automotive fans, or those who just wish to spend some time in the beer tent can take advantage of a free vintage bus service that will take visitors from Warminster and Frome to the site.

Last year bus enthusiasts came out specifically to see the 50-year-old vehicle, which leaves Warminster on the hour and Frome at half past the hour from 10am to 5pm.

Crowds of 5,000 have attended the show over the last few years.

"We have done so well in recent years we have made some money and been able to give it away to good causes," said Mrs Rutty.

"We give some money to Corsley School, the Little Cuckoos Pre-School, and the reading room in the village hall."

The band Barrelhouse Blues will be entertaining the crowds in the beer tent during the event.

Admission: adults £6, children aged seven to 16 £2, children six and under free, senior citizens £3, members free.