BOASTING more than 300 trade stands, a plethora of entertainment in the main arena and fiercely contested agricultural competitions, this year’s Northumberland County Show is ready to roll.

Around 25,000 people are expected to descend on the showground at Bywell, near Stocksfield, on Monday for a day that will include a Shetland Pony Grand National, a parade of tractors and, in a grand finale designed to dazzle, a display by Nobby the Norfolk Horn – star of the all dancing Sheep Show Hustle.

Along the way, visitors will be able to feast on the offerings of the Street Food Market, home to an array of exotic nosh from around the world, and the Taste of the County food marquee, packed with locally-made bread, cheese and meats.

There are new classes in the already burgeoning livestock sections too.

There will be a display of pigs, the first time they have featured in the show for several years, and there will be a new hand-shearing class in the sheep section.

The county show is one of the qualifying heats for English Shearing Circuit championships and regularly attracts world-class shearers.

The equine section events, meanwhile, are considered a highlight in the calendar for horse lovers, thanks to the variety of classes – ranging from heavy horses to side saddle riding – and the high standard of the competition.

There will also be a record number of alpacas, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry and dogs, plus a magnificent show of prize cattle and sheep.

With the county show having attained the status of national point show for Hereford cattle, it is expected there will be more than 40 prime examples of that breed alone.

Event organiser Judy Willis said: “Every year the show gets bigger and better and this year’s looks like being the best one ever!”