THIS year’s Dorset County Show organisers hope that the 2011 extravaganza will be bigger and better than ever.

All the traditional attractions plus some extra ones are planned to ensure a bumper county showcase this year.

The two-day family feast, which aims to celebrate the spirit of the county and the best rural traditions of Dorset since 1841, kicks off on September 3 at the show ground just outside Dorchester.

Last year the weekend event attracted 55,000 visitors across both days.

The main attractions this year will include the Bolddog Lings Motorbike display team which will be doing motorbike stunts and Titan the robot which has appeared all over the globe dancing with the likes of R&B star Rhianna.

Other main attractions include a ‘farming through the ages’ display showing vintage farming machinery right up to the modern day. There will also be 450 trade stands, live stock shows and a new poultry tent.

Organisers are also calling on plant growers to sell their plants along the new plant avenue at the show.

On Sunday there will also be live music from The New Forest Plonkers who will be playing in one of the three beer tents where beer from Dorset breweries will be on sale.

Dorset County Show secretary Sam Mackenzie-Green said there would also be 450 trade stands ‘selling everything from wellies, fudge and clothes’.

Mrs Mackenzie-Green said that she had high hopes for this year. She said: “It’s a day out for all the family.

“There’s so much to do no matter what you like. Whether it’s local food, the animals, the displays – there really is something for everyone.

“You can arrive at 8.30am and by 6pm you would have had a fun packed day and learnt a bit more about Dorset.

“There’s a green where people can sit and enjoy a picnic but we also will have two food halls with about 50 stands.”

Mrs Mackenzie-Green added: “We always hope it’s going to be bigger and better each year.

“We often have people coming from as far as Scotland and many of the competitions are nationally competed for.

“Visitors travel from across the county and we hope that even more people from other areas will visit the show this year.”

How to get involved

Tickets cost £10 in advance and children aged 16 and under are entitled to free admission to the show.

There is also free parking at the event.

For more information, or if you would like to get involved by volunteering, booking a stand - including a plant stand - or entering a competition, contact Mrs Mackenzie-Green on 01305 264249 or visit dorsetcountyshow.org.uk