A long-standing event which combines a showcase of Norfolk farming with family fun is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors on bank holiday Monday.

The 65th Aylsham Show is a popular end-of-summer social event for local farmers, taking a rest during or after the harvest, and a chance for quality livestock to win rosettes at the county's biggest one-day agricultural show in the grounds of Blickling Hall.

But its arena attractions, which this year include performing stallions and motorcycles, and other events also aim to attract families to enjoy a taste of the countryside - from locally-sourced food to learning about conservation.

Show secretary Chris Self said 'the object of the show is to promote agriculture and horticulture, and give any proceeds to local charities and organisations.' Last year that amounted to �35,000 - a good figure after crowds rallied following a damp start to the day - and the total has topped �43,000 in a previous bumper year.

The growing interest in food is also reflected in the current show, with the food hall serving up the chance to try and buy produce and watch cookery by students and professional chefs.

The show will also announce the winner of its Food Heroes award at 1pm after public nominations and visits from judges to shortlisted candidates.

An estimated 18,000 visit the show, and Mr Self urged them to still turn out, with the appropriate clothing, even if the weather looked changeable.

Mr Self said there was a return of heavy horses in the display ring after an absence of several years, and brand new attraction the Stallions of Substance horse stunt team, as well as the popular Bolddog Lings motorycle display team.

and, weather permitting, a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Norfolk Young Farmers are also providing some ring fun with their display involving wheelbarrows and ride-on lawnmowers, and the show will host its children's events, the tug of war and sack race.

Arena events begin at 10.15am with horse driving, and the 11.30 arrival of how president, Itteringham farmer Jimmy Fowell. Other timings are: include: 11.45 children's fancy dress, 12.15 heavy horse display, 12.45 Stallions of Substance, 1.15

Young Farmers display, 1.145 Bolddog Lings motorcycle team, 2.15 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 2.30 children's sack race, 2.45 grand parade, 3.30 North Norfolk Harriers parade, 3.45 Stallions, Bolddog Lings, 4.45 vintage tractor and vehicles parade, 5.45 children's tug of war.

Gates open at 8pm. Admission �12 adults, accompanied children under 16 free. Car parking free. More information at www.aylshamshow.co.uk