HAMPSHIRE’S biggest summer spectacular starts today with organisers of the eagerly-awaited event promising a feast of family entertainment.

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, first held in 1921, has grown into a three-day extravaganza that draws more than 90,000 spectators from across the south.

Officially rated as one of the top ten agricultural shows in the country, it regularly attracts members of the royal family and other VIPs.

Today’s visitors will include Lord Gardiner, parliamentary under-secretary of state for rural affairs, and the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.

This year’s theme is Best of British, a popular choice with everyone who voted in favour of Britain leaving the EU in last year’s referendum.

Traditional British livestock breeds, mouth-watering British produce and demonstrations by the British Transport Police are among the attractions on offer at the huge showground at New Park, Brockenhurst – the show’s home since the 1950s.

This year’s headline act is motorcycle stunt king Jamie Squibb, who is making a triumphant return to New Park.

But show secretary Denis Dooley said everything was scheduled to go ahead as planned.

“A lot of rain fell on Sunday but we had a long dry spell before that and the ground has held up really well,” he said. “The forecasters are predicting quite a bit of rain tomorrow as well, but if it comes we’ll be ready.”

Taking place for the first time is Field to Photo, which gives spectators an insight into what it takes to prepare a cow for showing.

The contest involves several teams of three competing against each in other, with each team member completing an individual task.

Joint show presidents Geoff and Judy Morgan said: “The show site gives a wide and varied interest and its layout has surprises around every corner.”

1) Cattle milking - watch live demonstrations in the cattle section and learn about the process from the farmers themselves.

2) Jamie Squibb - the motorcycle stunt king will perform a raft of gravity-defying tricks as his powerful bike soars 40ft into the air.

3) Bake and Cake - the show's first-ever baking contest will give budding Mary Berrys a chance to enter their pastries and preserves.

4) Fun Kitchen - the new addition to the show comprises 45-minute workshops that give families a chance to cook up some tasty treats.

5) Local produce market - live cooking demonstrations by top local chefs, plus plenty of fresh local produce to taste.

6) Family Fun Area - a zone aimed mainly at children, with a fun-packed programme of entertainment including interactive activities.

7) Celebrate 100 Years of Ford Tractors - a special display showing how tractors have changed over the decades.

8) Stewart Meadow - the area has been transformed into a magical fairy garden for this year's show.

9) Heavy Horse Musical Drive: The annual parade by 16 pairs of heavy horses is one of the show's most popular attractions.

10) The Garden Tearoom - a new addition that provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy refreshments while surrounded by floral displays.