RAFteamamongstars of bigger, better show

TICKETS have gone on sale for one of the highlights of the agricultural year.

Leicestershire County Show will return over the late summer bank holiday on August 25 and 26.

Last year’s show, in Market Harborough, attracted 13,000 visitors to the 85-acre site near Airfield Business Park.

Organisers said an even bigger event is planned this year, with a show from the RAF Falcon Parachute Display Team on both days set to be a highlight. Show director David Young said: “Last year’s decision to stage the event over two days was hugely popular and allowed us to welcome about 1,000 more visitors than in 2016.

“With more events than ever planned this year, including the visit from the RAF Falcons in their centenary year, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more visitors for 2018.”

As well as the traditional agricultural events, which will culminate in a Grand Parade of prizewinning sheep and cattle, the crowds can kick for goal with the Leicester Tigers.

Organisers said other highlights will include vintage cars and tractors, hounds from the Fernie, Westerby Basset, Cottesmore and Quorn Hunts, jousting from the Knights of Nottingham, ladies’ side saddle, Fernie Pony Club and a carriage driving display.

Kangaroo Kid, aka Matt Coulter, will wow the crowds with his Guinness World Record-breaking quad bike stunts.

There will be more than 100 craft stalls and a range of trade shows.

Mr Young said: “Now we’re in our third year in Market Harborough, we’re established as a firm favourite for the bank holiday weekend.”

Half-price tickets are on sale for £5 before June 1. Under 14s go free.

The show is organised by Leicestershire Agricultural Society which was formed in 1833.

It started in Leicester’s Victoria Park before it moved to Melton, and then to its current home in Market Harborough in 2016.