The Royal Norfolk Show is just days away and yet again aiming to bring together the best that the county has to offer. This year the show has an even bigger programme of family fun, with a host of events, entertainment and activities to indulge everyone from under-fives to granny and granddad. Here's what to expect:
Discovery Zone
Whether it's meeting animals in the dairy, exploring a man-made beach, reaching new heights on a climbing wall or getting up close to the science behind farming, the Discovery Zone will keep the whole family entertained for hours! There's also the chance for your child to wear a pair of wireless headphones so they can become the main character in a story all about plants.
Science Zone
Packed with messy experiments, the Science Zone is a total hands-on experience, suitable for little ones, right through to A level students and budding Einsteins. The team of scientists will be on hand all day to show you how much fun science can be. Explore vacuum bazookas, amazing marshmallows, anti-gravity beads and much more – plus find out about this year's Norwich Science Festival.
Heart of the show
Often drawing some of the biggest crowds, the livestock championships are at the heart of the show. From prize winning cattle and rare breeds to some of the biggest beasts in the land each competition is a show on its own. And, with more than 3,000 animals on display, national competitions including the Dexter breed national show and the chance to meet some of the country's finest young handlers, you'll be hard-pressed to escape from it all. Why not take a pony ride? It's new for 2018.
Dancing sheep
Appearing at more than 100 shows a year – and in front of an estimated audience of 2.5 million people – this unique family show has captured the hearts of millions around the world. The 30-minute New Zealand-style show is cleverly devised and is highly entertaining and extremely informative; a rare combination. Highlight of the show is the 'The Sheep Show Hustle' – dancing sheep in other words – it says it all!
Grand Ring programme
The Spire Solicitors Grand Ring programme always offers an impressive line-up of action packed displays. This year is no different and as well as show favourites such as world-class showjumping, scurry driving, livestock and equine parades, the line-up will include the breath-taking Adrenaline Tour Quad Bike stunt display team, the RAF Falcons and a unique commemoration – Norfolk Remembers – to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. Also, making its first appearance at the show will be the City of Norwich Pipe Band.
Food and drink
This year's Royal Norfolk Show will once again have a packed programme of food and drink events, including the highly popular Adnams Food and Drink Experience, a brand new Flavours food hub and an enhanced Art of Butchery and Fishmongery show to get your teeth into. That's on top of every type of food and drink available around the showground, from street food and posh nosh to finger food and fast food.
Open until 10pm on day one
It's often said to make a day of it! But this year the show has gone one step further so you can make a day and night of it with an extended Spire Solicitors Grand Ring programme, live music and great food and drink until 10pm.
Jimmy's Festival
As part of the evening programme on the Wednesday and located in the new Woodland Area (which really deserves its own shout out), the popular Jimmy's Festival will take place with a host of live music until 10pm. So, sit back, grab a summer drink and enjoy the show as the sun sets and the stars come out!
Scream!
No show is complete without a fairground ride, so as well as enjoying a host of popular rides that will test your nerve, why not get the whole family to take a ride on one of the popular vintage fairground rides – topped off with some good ol' fashioned candy floss of course.
And finally….
If that's not enough there is plenty more for the whole family to enjoy including a brand new horticultural show, the new Norfolk Growing stage, Sports Zone, fashion shows and the opportunity to try your hand at a new hobby in the new countryside area such as archery, canoeing or pond-dipping.
This year's Royal Norfolk Show is on Wednesday and Thursday, June 27-28. Tickets are now available online and advance prices include a family ticket for £47, which allows two adults and three children entry. Free parking is also included if you buy your ticket in advance. Conditions apply. For more information, visit royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
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