The South of England Show returns this week for its 56th year with another jam-packed programme of events with animals, food and shopping.

Organised by the South of England Agricultural Society, the annual event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the charm and excitement of rural industries and pursuits.

The show, at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, promises a diverse array of attractions, including agricultural and equestrian displays, live entertainment, rural crafts, horticulture and an abundance of food, drink and shopping experiences for all ages.

This year's show features the Atkinson Action Horses, renowned for their high-energy and breathtaking stunt shows led by the skilled Ben Atkinson. Attendees can also look forward to international show jumping, heavy horse displays, cookery workshops for kids, scurry-driving competitions, equine showing classes and livestock competitions.

A new countryside ring will showcase falconry, axe skills, ferret displays and search-and-rescue dog demonstrations. Casablanca Steps will provide musical entertainment, while a vintage agricultural machinery ring, a medieval re-enactment zone and a British Army village will also feature .

Read more: South of England Society appoints royal president

For children, a special trail around the showground offers free experiences including educational activities about food production and the chance to meet Sussex’s emergency services.

Further additions to this year’s line-up include the woodland craft area, featuring demonstrations in ancient skills, such as trug, stick, hurdle and basket making, hedge laying and chainsaw carving.

For gardening enthusiasts, in addition to the opportunity to explore the garden design competition entries and indulge in shopping opportunities from nurseries and plant and equipment specialists, there will be a new wildflower garden. The bees and honey marquee will provide live bee demonstrations, observation hides and a showcase of local products.

Numerous street food areas, pop-up bars, cafes, a grape and grain walk with local vineyards and breweries and the new gin alley with locally distilled gins provide an extensive selection of food and drink options. Shopping enthusiasts can explore a variety of stalls, including country clothing, jewellery, pet accessories and independent boutiques, with a dedicated made in Sussex area showcasing items from local producers.

Corrie Ince, show director for the South of England Agricultural Society, said: “The South of England Show is a chance for visitors to see, meet, and learn from the farmers, landowners and craftspeople of our rural communities. There is a fantastic array of countryside activities going on in our region.

 “Visitors will also get a chance to find out more about local and independent traders and discover many items that you just won’t see on the high street or online. Overall, the show provides the chance to support the British countryside, our charity work as an agricultural society, and enjoy a fantastic day out with the whole family.”

Tickets for the South of England Show can be purchased at www.seas.org.uk and cost £23.40 for adults and £21.60 for senior citizens/students.

Children under 16 can enter for free, with a suggested donation of £2 for children. Due to the number of people on site, restricted livestock areas and potential hot weather, dogs are not recommended.

The South of England Show takes place from Friday to Sunday and is open between 9am and 6.30pm each day.