THE annual Cheshire Show opens today - with up to 70,000 people expected to flock to it.

They will be joined by thousands of horses, cattle and dogs at the two-day event at the County Showground, at Tabley, near Knutsford.

And an action-packed two days are planned, ranging from famous botanist David Bellamy to Moto-Stunts International, The Band of the Army Air Corps, and the Mighty Zulu Nation Theatre Company.

Nigel Evans, Cheshire Show's executive director, said this year's show theme is Connecting People to the Countryside.

He said he believed the show had something for everyone, and they were just hoping the weather remained good.

Mr Evans said: "People's lifestyles are changing and people want to re-engage with the countryside. County shows such as this are in the right position to help with that re-engagement.

"Whether you have a passing interest in what goes on in the countryside, or enjoy horse riding or any other country pursuits the Cheshire Show has something for everyone.

"And if the weather is not great we have a lot of marquees, something like 15 or 20 miles of canvas cover."

Mr Evans, who is in charge this year for the first time, said he was enjoying the challenge of running the show. He said: "It's an enjoyable learning curve, even if it does go to vertical sometimes.

"Scores of volunteers are now working round-the-clock to prepare the showground for the event which promises to be a magnificent two days."

During the event, the 200-acre showground will be transformed with special fencing, show rings, parking areas and hundreds of marquees.

More than 600 trade stands, a vintage machinery display, farmers' market, floral displays and the Roberts Bakery food hall and Food Live Theatre are among the attractions.

There will also be more than 4,000 horses competing in the Gallaghers Mitsubishi Light Horse section - making it the largest light horse section of any county show in Britain.

There are other classes covering 20 breeds of dairy and beef cattle, sections for rare breeds, sheep, goats, poultry, pigeons, rabbits and cavies, and over 500 classes for dogs.

Professor David Bellamy will be opening the new Game Fair attraction which promises to be a real treat for countryside enthusiasts who enjoy hobbies such as fishing, falconry, crafts and gundogs.

Professor Bellamy said: "The Cheshire Show is a celebration of farming, food and the countryside - bringing everyone together from the agricultural, rural and urban neighbourhoods.

"I'm looking forward to discovering the charms of the Cheshire countryside - and meeting many of the stakeholders of this unique county."

Open from 8.30am to 6.30pm today and tomorrow, the Cheshire Show takes place at Tabley Showground, near Knutsford (just off the A556 road, about one mile west of Junction 19 of the M6 motorway).

Tickets are available from Cheshire Libraries and Information Centres - or on the gate.

* FOR more information, visit www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk

liammurphy@dailypost.co.uk