They're the county's big days out - and this year the Royal Norfolk Show really will go with a bang! For one of the Grand Ring attractions at this year's event - being held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 27 and 28m at the New Costessey showground - is human cannonball Dave “The Bullet” Smith.

They're the county's big days out - and this year the Royal Norfolk Show really will go with a bang!

For one of the Grand Ring attractions at this year's event - being held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 27 and 28m at the New Costessey showground - is human cannonball Dave “The Bullet” Smith.

The daredevil American, who has previously been shot over the Grand Canyon, will be fired from a 35-foot long cannon, emerging from a cloud of smoke to fly across the arena at up to 50mph before landing in a net nearly 200 feet away.

Smith is a part of world-renowned cannonballing family, and, like his father before him, learned his hazardous trade in the circus. His team includes wife Audrey, who will have the privilege of firing the 10,000lb cannon and its human missile.

The Royal Norfolk Show is collaborating with three other county shows to share the £45,000 cost of bringing “The Bullet” across the Atlantic to display his act.

“The video pictures we have seen are quite incredible,” said Show manager Sarah de Chair. “It involves bravery, strength, and skill, and I'm sure he's going to cause quite a stir. It's certainly not the kind of performance you see every day of the week, and we expect it to be a real crowd-pleaser.”

Other Grand Ring attractions will include the Harleston-based Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross Team, a nationally-acclaimed team, well-known for its television, film and stunt work, which boasts the world's largest and most sophisticated truck and jumping ramp, enabling riders to bridge gaps of more than 80ft while reaching heights of up to 35ft.

And, of course, there will be plenty of animals to see including more than 1,000 horses. Some will be taking part in 2007 Renault Jump Competition on the Thursday and hopefully attracting several big-name riders.

As well as the rows and rows of trade and craft stands there'll be the return of the new-look Food Hall (in the Exhibition Hall) with the chance to see top local chefs in action; a bigger and better children's activity area; Gardeners' Show; off-road driving experience; Countryside Area (don't miss the sheepdogs); dog show; art exhibition; musical entertainment…. oh, and tons more!

The EDP will have its stand near the Grand Ring as usual - don't miss your paper on Wednesday or Thursday for our ever-popular free tea and cake voucher.

t This year, too, we are teaming up with Norfolk brewer Woodforde's to offer a free half-pint of its Sundew ale - a token will appear in the EDP's 64-page Royal Norfolk Show preview supplement on Tuesday. Both offers are subject to availability and no voucher photocopies will be accepted.

t Advance tickets for the show cost £15 for adults, £5 for children (ages five to 16), and £13 for seniors, £14 registered disabled (with their carers £6). Family tickets covering two adults and three children cost £38. You can buy them from EDP offices in Millennium Plain and Rouen Road, Norwich, or from EDP branch offices at Beccles, Cromer, Dereham, Diss, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Thetford. More information: 01603 772175.

You can also buy tickets in advance via the credit card hotline: 08707 87 88 89.

Tickets on the day cost £16 for adults, £6 for children, £14 for pensioners and £40 for a family ticket.

www.royalnorfolkshow.co.uk