OVER 90,000 people are expected to descend on the Three Counties Showground in Malvern later this week as the Royal Three Counties Show opens its gates.

The landmark event in the agricultural calendar will welcome a true celebration of the finest in farming from Friday, June 17 until Sunday, June 19.

The Royal Three Counties Show is England’s largest livestock and equine event and sees farmers, families and furry and feathered friends immerse themselves in the three-day spectacle.

Chief Executive of the Three Counties Agricultural Society Ken Nottage said: “2016 is a momentous year for the Royal Three Counties Show as we welcome the pedigree of the farming world to another thrilling year for our premier Livestock and lifestyle event.

“A pinnacle moment of the weekend will be when the King’s Troop takes over the Main Arena to perform their earth shattering salute each day.

“We are eagerly awaiting their performance, hot off the heels of last weekend’s 90th birthday celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen.

“This year we also welcome more school children than ever before and we are deeply proud to be sharing the many educational benefits of farming.

“We cannot wait to throw open our gates and share what is to be a vibrant and landmark year for the Royal Three Counties Show as the countdown begins.”

Highlights will include: • The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. They will dominate the Main Arena twice each day as they perform their world-renowned musical drive, seen just last week at Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday celebrations.

• HRH Princess Royal, patron of the Royal Three Counties Show, will open this year’s event.

• Royal Three Counties stalwart and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson will return for 2016 taking to the ring twice each day to share his expert knowledge of farming. • Harry Potter fans will have the chance to try their hand at a game of Quidditch.

• A life size replica of The Bloodhound, the car set to smash the world’s fastest land speed record later this year, will be a focal point of the Sports Village throughout the weekend.

• Over 400 eager Scouts, Beavers and Cubs from across the Three Counties will receive a unique Occasion Badge at this year’s event.

• Herefordshire based Champion National Hunt Jockey Richard Johnson will parade his 2000 Gold Cup winning horse, Looks Like Trouble in the Main Arena, along with presenting awards to competitors in the equine classes on Saturday of the show.

• Supermodels of the sheep world will take to the ‘wool walk’ in a Fashion Show as part of the Discover Sheep area.

• The World Congress of Devon Cattle Society will congregate at the 2016 Royal Three Counties Show.

• New area, the Smallholders and Alternative Livestock Enterprise Village will provide a platform for smallholders to share their ideas and skills in a friendly and informative environment.

The Royal Three Counties Show will take place from Friday, June 17 until Sunday, June 19 2016. Tickets are now on sale. Tickets are available on the gate priced from £22 for adults and £7 for children. Family and concession tickets are available on the gate also.

For information on ticket prices and further information on the show, please visit www.threecounties.co.uk/threecounties or call 01684 584900.