Thousands of people are expected at Dorchester Showground this weekend as the county’s biggest rural celebration returns.

The Dorset County Show returns on the weekend of Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 promising days packed with entertainment and new experiences at the Dorchester Showground.

For the first time ever, Atkinsons Action Horses will appear at the show, promising to excite audiences of all ages with a stunt performance. It is the troupe’s first appearance in Dorset.

Atkinson's Action Horses will be at the show this yearAtkinson's Action Horses will be at the show this year (Image: Dorset County Show) The IMPs Motorcycle Display team will be revving their engines to the awe of fire jumps and routines in what organisers say will be an unmissable show.

The IMP motorcycle display will feature at the showThe IMP motorcycle display will feature at the show (Image: Dorset County Show) On top of all these thrills, the show will also play host to tomahawk throwing displays, a huge flock of more than alpacas, giant pumpkins weighing more than 1000lbs, horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes from horse logging to Shetland racing, vintage tractors and steam engine displays, a bees and honey section as well as waggiest tail classes of dogs.

There’s plenty on offer for little ones with a feast of hands on fun and educational activities as well as the chance to get up close and personal with thousands of animals.

Stretching over 100 acres, organisers expect visitors to build up an appetite and are setting up the biggest food hall at the show to date. There will be pop up micropubs dotted around the site as well, to give the weekend a festival vibe.

More than 350 stalls will be at the show, selling various goods from crafts to local food.

The county show acts as an end of harvest celebration, as well as a major networking event for Dorset’s agricultural sector.

Horses and ponies from all shapes and sizes from horse logging to Shetland racing, vintage tractors and steam engine displays, a bees and honey section.  

James Cox, Show Organiser, said: ‘It’s amazing seeing the showground coming to life, everyone is working so hard to put on what we think set to be the best show yet. Personally I can’t wait to see the Atkinson Action Horses, vintage tractor displays and sampling in the food hall.”

Tickets are still available, with children gaining free entry across both days.

For further information and to book your Show Ticket, visit www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk