It is the first day of a major agricultural event celebrating all things farming, food and rural living.
The Kent County Show at Detling, near Maidstone, has kicked off with a bang.
Spanning over the next three days, the packed programme includes returning favourites but also new activities and features for people to discover.
Reporters from KMFM and KMTV are at the showground to keep people up-to-date with what’s going on.
To mark the start of the event, the Duchess of Edinburgh will make an appearance.
It’s the first time that Sophie – who grew up in Brenchley, near Tunbridge Wells, and is a patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) – has been to Detling in 16 years.
She is set to meet local farmers and their livestock and chat with equine exhibitors and local businesses.
Matthew Cullen, chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society, told KentOnline there is a real buzz in the air.
He said: “It’s a great achievement for us to have her visit the showground.
“There’s lots on offer, from the livestock section with all the animals, young farmers, equine sports and food halls.
“We’ve also got something a little unusual this year…live camel racing. It isn’t what you’d normally get to see.”
“At the moment, farming is going through a real tough time,” he added.
“We are committed to supporting the agricultural and rural communities. For farmers, it’s a chance to network and build relationships.
“At the showground, you get to learn where your food comes from, how it’s produced and delivered.
“We all know it [Kent] as the Garden of England, so for the rural and farming sector it’s a proud moment to come together and show off to the general public.”
Following the major publicity of Jeremy Clarkson’s TV show, Clarkson’s Farm, which aired on Amazon Prime, the industry is in the spotlight now more than ever.
Matthew says it has brought farming “to the forefront” of people’s minds and has seen across different agricultural events that there has been a spike in interest.
What’s on today at the Kent County Show?
09:30 – Kent Youth Trials (Heritage Ring)
10:00 – Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs (Countryside Ring)
10:30 – Rock Choir (Bandstand)
11:15 – Camel Racing (John D Wood & Co Astor Ring)
11:45 – Sheep Dog Display (Countryside Ring)
12:15 – Hypo Hounds Diabetic Assistance Dog Display (Countryside Ring)
13:15 – Heritage Parade (John D Wood & Co Astor Ring)
13:30 – Pre and Post-War Cars (Heritage Ring)
14:15 – Radio Controlled Cars Display (Heritage Ring)
15:05 – British Novice Showjumping with 90cm Open (Standen Ring)
17:30 – Donkey In Hand Championship (Pam Nesfield Ring)
To see the full schedule of events, please click here.
Over the weekend, the team expects to see between 60,000 to 70,000 people attend – depending on the weather.
You can still book tickets for the show here.
Adult tickets cost £22 and child tickets cost £3 when booked in advance. You can also pay at the gate. Under 5s go free.
