Holkham Country Fair 'going to be a party'

More than 40,000 people are set to descend on one of Norfolk's best known country estates this weekend as the Holkham Country Fair gets under way once again.

Just weeks after thousands piled into the grounds of Viscount Coke's hereditary seat to be wowed by Elton John, organisers of the bi-annual fair are promising a second knock out event.

Organiser Christopher Lloyd Owen said: 'All looks good and, while we haven't got Elton John, there should be something for everybody.

'It is going to be great fun and it is going to be a party.

'People should wear sensible shoes and bring a mac if it rains but rain will not stop the show.'

Weather forecasters are predicting a weekend of sunshine and showers and Mr Lloyd Owen said he expected between 40,000 and 45,000 people through the gates.

Preparations for the show, which is being run in association with the EDP, began early last week with Mr Lloyd Owen marking out the grand ring and where all the facilities will go.

The ring is now in place and tents have been springing up around the site all week.

Mr Lloyd Owen promised the grand ring would be as spectacular as ever with the Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team, The Tigers Freefall Team, The Minden Band, and more.

The skies above showground will also be brought to life with aerobatic displays on both days and there will be all the usual fun including trade stands, clay pigeon shooting and a children's fairground.

There will also be the chance to get EDP goody bags from points around the showground.

This year the food village will be even bigger and the cookery demonstration tent will have a series of top chefs on both days.

The large Holkham Estate tent will also have cookery displays and gardener's questions.

Also a display, put together by a team on the Holkham Estate, will feature a photographic display showing the wide range of activity which takes place in the many departments in the Holkham businesses.

The work of the gamekeepers and the farm team will be displayed alongside the traditional seaside business of Pinewoods Holiday Park at Wells where generations of families have enjoyed a regular holiday either in a caravan or under canvas.

DEFRA will be encouraging families to adopt a healthier lifestyle and do something positive for the environment as part of the new Muckin4Life campaign.

The country fair website is www.countryfairoffice.co.uk

Grand Ring Timetable.

Saturday:

10.45am - The Mounted Games Association of Great Britain.

12 noon - Opening ceremony with The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team followed by Minden Band of the Queen's Division.

12.45pm - The Flying Gunners - the motorcycle display team of the Royal Artillery.

1.15pm - The Gamegoer gundog display with Graham Watkins.

1.45pm - Cyril the Squirrel and his racing terriers.

2.15pm - Flying demonstrations with Charlotte Hill and her Birds of Prey.

2.45pm - The Minden Band of the Queen's Division culminating in the Holkham Country Fair Children's March Past.

3.15pm - Hound parade

3.30pm - Historic car display

4pm - Aerobatics display with Steven Carver and Gary Ferriman

4.15pm - The Gamegoer Gundog display with Graham Watkins

4.45pm - The Flying Gunners - the motorcycle display team of the Royal Artillery

5.15pm - Cyril the Squirrel and his racing terriers

5.45pm - Closing ceremony with The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team followed by the Minden Band of the Queen's Division

6.15pm - Beating retreat ceremony

Sunday:

10.45am - The Mounted Games Association of Great Britain

12 noon - Opening ceremony with The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team followed by the Minden Band of the Queen's Division

12.45pm - The Flying Gunners - the motorcycle display team of the Royal Artillery

1.15pm - The Gamegoer gundog display with Graham Watkins.

1.45pm - Cyril the Squirrel and his racing terriers

2.15pm - Flying demonstrations with Charlotte Hill and her birds of prey.

2.45pm - Service of thanksgiving with the Minden Band of the Queen's Division culmination in the Holkham Country Fair Children's March Past

3.30pm - Hound parade

3.45pm - Historic car display

4.15pm - Aerobatics display with Steven Carver and Gary Ferriman

4.30pm - The Gamegoers gundog display with Graham Watkins

5pm - The Flying Gunners - the motorcycle display team of the Royal Artillery

5.30pm - Cyril the Squirrel and his racing terriers

6pm - Closing Ceremony with The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team followed by the Minden Band of the Queen's

6.30pm - Beating retreat ceremony

*A cookery demonstration will take place each day at 11.30am and 1.30pm which will be hosted by the popular head chef at The Victoria Hotel, Roger Hickman.

*Answers to gardening problems can be found in the gardeners' questions time at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.