Get ready for another action-packed Heckington Show

Not only is it the nation’s biggest village show but also the largest volunteer run country show.

Organisers find it hard to simply define the first hour of a “typical” visitor experience at the show, never mind the full two days!

Saturday kicks off with some 400 runners lining up for the 10 mile road race, parents with children running or cycling in the children’s races, regulars taking their grandstand seats or finding the best vantage points around the ring.

Stallholders emerge to set up their wares, crafts and bargains and the food vendors entice with the aromas of fresh coffee or bacon baps and of course the show team are on site taking care of enquiries and ensuring everything is safely in place.

Before you know, the showground is alive with people; families on the fairground rides or giant slides, gorgeous donkeys and contented dogs being groomed for the judges in the show ring, buying almost anything (from a new car or hot tub to art and antiques) or eating ice creams and planning where to sit for the show’s headline act – the colourful, all-action Knights of Nottingham.

There is also Ridgeside Little Nippers Terrier Racing and ​Ridgeside Falconry display, plus a full programme of grass track cycle racing.

So, already there’s no average visitor and we’ve not even mentioned the amazing Saturday Night Firework Concert, this year featuring an Elton John tribute alongside the brilliant Sleaford Concert Band.

Sunday has a quite different feel with the ring dominated by three major show jumping competitions which everyone can easily follow thanks to experienced commentators. It’s easy on the senses with the sound of hooves, of a fence rail falling to earth when caught and the applause for going clear.

These events are punctuated by a wow return of the popular Kangaroo Kid, defying the laws of physics with his quadbike stunts and jumps.

Elsewhere there’s noise and energy aplenty – notably from over 500 sheep and cattle arriving early, being frantically washed, polished and judged in their classes. It’s all so accessible so you don’t need to be a farmer to enjoy this.

Families and kids of all ages can still enjoy the full mix of activities from historical re-enactments and miniature train rides to Shire Horse displays, a varied concert marquee programme and spectacular floral, art and produce displays in the horticulture marquee.

The only answer to the “typical day” conundrum is to come for both days and enjoy the whole weekend – it’s even better value that way and you’ll no doubt still be back the next year to catch the things you missed!

For advance tickets go to: https://www.heckingtonshow.org.uk/tickets.html