THE annual Royal Three Counties Show is offering new features this year to complement its tried and tested attractions which have been drawing the crowds over the decades.

The three-day event in June - which has a reputation for offering entertainment, information, food, drink, country activities and a range of stalls for all the family - is expected to attract more than 90,000 visitors from all over the country this year.

Focusing on the great British countryside and rural communities, the show is introducing new interactive areas and activities to run alongside the fine food and family entertainment.

One of the new arenas is the Wellington Boot Theatre where visitors can go along to learn more about the great outdoors and hear from a range of guests.

The theatre is hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Andrew Easton and there will Q&A sessions with guests including BBC Countryfile presenter and show ambassador Adam Henson; Gloucestershire horticulturalist Kate Clowes; Worcestershire Wildlife Trust expert Caroline Corsie; World Cycle Champion Tracy Moseley; Master of Foxhounds Cotswold Vale Edward Burrows and many more.

The theatre aims to inspire show goers to try new outdoor activities and offers a chance to hear from professionals who enjoy sharing their outdoor passions.

The new Country Pursuits Village offers people the chance to get a real feel for country life with country sports, demonstrations of country skills and displays of country animals.

Visitors to the village can see acrobats on horseback, falconry, gundog competitions, farriery and blacksmithing, forestry skills, duck herding, lumberjack skills, vintage tractors, farm machinery and more. There is plenty to entertain the whole family.

Diana Walton, head of shows at the Three Counties said: “This year’s show has some wonderful new additions including new interactive areas and activities and once again we are welcoming the very best of livestock and equine competitors from all parts of Britain.

“We have all worked hard to bring the industry’s finest to the Royal Three Counties Show and we’re hoping for another impressive turn out. We cannot wait to throw open our gates and share what is to be a vibrant year for the Royal Three Counties Show.”

The Farming Village, run in association with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, has a new feature called Ask The Farmer Theatre where people can find out more about the day-to-day life of a farmer. There will be a chance to hear from a shepherd, a pig keeper, learn about turkeys, see butchery demonstrations, hear from Adam Henson and much more.

There are also a number of new activities which present a perfect opportunity to enjoy some family fun. These include the Medieval Activity Camp hosted by the Woodvilles Battle Re-enactment Group. This will offer children in particular the chance to dress up as a soldier, participate in authentic medieval games and walk through Gloucestershire’s famous battles.

Another family-friendly activity is the Gloucestershire Hotspot Trail. There are 15 hotspots to find across the showground, each celebrating the greatness of Gloucestershire. Visitors are invited to solve the anagram and claim a prize from sponsors Western Power Distribution.

The old favourites include the main arena with a packed timetable headlined by daring Bolddog Lings FMX team, live music from The Band of The Prince of Wales’s Division, displays from The Red Devils and a Grand Parade of livestock each day.

The Farming Village will offer show goers the chance to see some of the finest livestock in the area, meet the farmers and watch over 3,000 animals compete to be crowned champions.

The young farmers will be returning with their trademark humorous competitions which include an Adam Henson look-alike contest to the legendary tug of war.

The much-loved Woolly Roadshow returns to the Discover Sheep Marquee where the quirky fashion show celebrates the story of wool along with displays of some ancient crafts and the opportunity to join in and try spinning, felting and knitting.

The show organisers say food and farming go hand in hand and the Royal Three Counties Show 2017 promises to whet the appetite of the finest foodies.

Showcasing the very best of local produce, the Food & Drink Hall will offer a host of tasty treats to try while the Cookery Theatre welcomes local chefs on stage to cook up some tasty morsels.

People can visit the new Three Counties Cider Festival & Garden or try the new Three Counties Beer made by Hillside Brewery while admiring the selection of Three Counties dairy produce on display in the Cheese & Dairy Produce Show.

For more information about this year’s Royal Three Counties Show which takes place on Friday June 16 until Sunday June 18 visit www.royalthreecounties.co.uk or call 01684 584900.

Each year Royal Three Counties Show is hosted by one of the three counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire or Worcestershire. This year Gloucestershire takes the reins and showcases a selection of the best bits from the county.

These include the Gloucestershire Guild of Crafts and the exhibit of Gloucestershire’s heritage apples, plums and perry pears. In the Ask the Farmer Theatre people can learn about breeds native to Gloucestershire and listen to talks and demonstrations from experts in the industry who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge.

The Young Farmers section is hosted by Gloucestershire YF this year, who have lots of fun and games in store, while next to the Wellington Boot Theatre there will be the Enterprise Zone where Gloucestershire schools, colleges and university showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

The Bee and Honey marquee offers the chance to see bees flying in controlled conditions and includes a Gloucestershire display. There will also be a two Gloucestershire Old Spot sculptures at the show.