THOUSANDS of people are set to descend on the New Forest for a three-day celebration of food, farming and the countryside.

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show will kick off tomorrow.

Last year’s event saw 105,000 people attend the show, the largest attendance in the event’s 95-year history.

The show's increasing popularity is expected to pull in tens of thousands of spectators this year and volunteers spent last weekend putting the finishing touches to the showground at New Park, Brockenhurst.

Steps have also been taken to tackle some of the issues from last year, as at one point so many cars were trying to get into New Park that people were urged to stay at home and go the next day instead.

This year a new parking system will mean more vehicles to use the main car parks and an overflow parking area will be open all the time instead of being kept closed until the showground starts filling up.

Fans of the show will be treated to a huge number of attractions, including 600 trade stands and 40 breeds of sheep, while top chefs will demonstrate their skills in the cooking theatre.

Sixteen pairs of heavy horses will perform a musical drive and Longdown Activity Farm will give visitors a chance to meet a whole host of animals.

There will also be an attempt everyday to set a new world record for the most wellington boots thrown at the same time.

The gates to the event will open at 8.30am today.