For the first time in its 172-year history, Romsey Show will this year have themed around the First World War and life in Hampshire at that time.

The show will pay tribute to the 350 local ‘boys’ who gave their lives for King and country, as well as reflecting on how life would have been for those who stayed behind to keep the home fires burning.

More specifically, the 2014 show will recall the wartime role of Broadlands, which has hosted the Romsey Show since 1919. The parkland around Broadlands was the site of a major horse remount depot during the war, which was responsible for training thousands of horses and their handlers for war work.

In addition, both the Canadian High Commission and the American Embassy will be represented at the event to recognise the fact that their troops were stationed at Broadlands during the conflict.

Among the many themed attractions there will be an aerial dog-fight by seven replica First World War planes, a horse and mule remount display, an 18lb field gun from the Royal Armouries being harnessed and drawn by heavy horses, and the First World War tank that appeared in the film War Horse.

There will also be music by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, as well as re-enactments of the work of military farriers, a wartime padre and FANYs nurses with a 1915 field ambulance.

The First World War information tent will house various static displays, including the new book, Romsey Boys in the Great War, written and researched by Pete Chapman and Simon Peace. A garden of remembrance close to the marquee will be planted with 350 crosses to commemorate those who died, and there will be an honouring the dead ceremony in the Main Ring.

To add to the atmosphere, everyone attending the show will be encouraged to dress in period costume (although this is not compulsory) and all the different sections of the show will be reflecting the period – for example, the bakery demonstration in the food zone will be offering period breads at First World War prices.

All this is in addition to all the usual attractions that people expect from a traditional agricultural show like Romsey, which is one of the biggest events of its kind in the country and regularly attracts some 25,000 visitors with its mix of horses, cattle, sheep, countryside activities, food show, vintage machinery and more than 500 trade stands.

There are also alpacas, pigs, water buffalo, otters, fur and feather tent, caged birds, show-jumping, parade of hounds, gun dogs, falconry, fly fishing, ferrets, traction engines, and a fairground.

Romsey Show takes place on Saturday, September 13 at Broadlands Park, Romsey. Children under 11 go free and advance tickets, with savings of up to 25 per cent, are on sale now from various outlets, including Romsey Tourist Information Centre (01794 512987). More information: romseyshow.co.uk.