FROM monster marrows to mobs of meerkats, this year’s Dorset County Show has something for everyone.

That’s the message from organisers of the annual event, which is attended by thousands of people each year.

It will take place at the Dorset County Showground in Dorchester on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7.

This year’s show will feature the National Vegetable Society’s annual national championships, the most prestigious event in the UK growers’ calendar.

There are 1,000 vegetables set to be displayed, all vying for best in show and championship trophies.

The show will have approximately 2,000 animals, including a mob of six meerkats.

Their trainer Seb Miller MBE will accompany them and allow fans to get up close and personal with two of those that are trained.

As well as meerkats, Black Rock Llamas will take centre stage in the Symonds & Sampson Countryside Ring for the first time.

The group is the only llama display team in the UK and will take part in the UK’s only Llama Puissance competition.

Riding on the success of Britain’s Got Talent, the Bolddog FMX Display Team, pictured inset, are returning to act as the Main Ring’s star attraction. Their display includes motorcross and motorcycle stunts involving flips and jumps. The Shopping Marquee will be offering interiors, fashion and craft ideas from Milinery by Misha to hand-embroidered cushion covers from Lizzie Searle of Norwich. This year’s show will also have 90 different food options on offer for visits, with the Dorset Food Hall bigger and better than ever before.

It will boast 40 producers and many new names on the local Dorset food scene, including Downhouse Farm.

The show attracted more than 60,000 last year and show secretary Sam Mackenzie-Green hopes for a similar turnout.

Ms Mackenzie-Green said she was trying to avoid looking at the weather forecast.

She added: “I try not to because every time I do look it changes.”

The show secretary, however, said organisers would be prepared for any eventuality.

She said: “We’ve got so much marquee coverage. There’s plenty to do inside and outside.

“If it rains, there’s still plenty going on.”

Entries for homecraft classes at this year’s event remain high.

Ms Mackenzie-Green added: “We’ve had 2,312 entries this year. I think it’s growing every year. When I started we had 852 entries.”

ADVANCE tickets for the Dorset County Show cost £12 for adults, with under 16s going free.

Tickets are available from Tourist Information Centres in Dorset and online at dorsetcountyshow.co.uk Tickets can be bought on the day at the gate for £15.

There will be a ‘round robin’ bus service operating through Dorchester on both days. The showground is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from both South and West train stations.

If going by car, follow the yellow signs from the Dorchester bypass.

For more information about the events at the show please visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk