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What is on at the mini Kent County Show - the Kent Summer Fayre - this year

This year's Kent County Show has been replaced by a smaller version, the Kent County Summer Fayre, being held this weekend.

But how does it differ from the usual show? We take a look at what favourites will still be at the showcase of agriculture and rural life and what new highlights are on offer.

The traditional look of the Kent County Show
The traditional look of the Kent County Show

How long is the Kent Summer Fayre?

It runs over two days, compared to the County Show's usual three and will be on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11.

There will not be livestock judging this year
There will not be livestock judging this year

What animals and livestock will there be?

There will be less livestock than usual, but you will still be able to see some of the animals.

There will be showjumping in the Astor Ring on the Saturday and Sunday, the Inter-Hunt and Double Harness Scurry.

The Countryside Ring will host the return of crowd pleasers the Lamb National and the Dog and Duck Show, as well as birds of prey.

There will be chickens in the Maidstone Exhibition Hall and the Young Farmers will be displaying their animals and competitions, and there will be beekeepers displaying. The Young Farmers will be performing the Grand Parade both days in the Astor Ring, compared to the usual large-scale parade.

Due to the lack of livestock, there will not be any formal judging and rosettes this year, except for the Young Farmers.

The Lamb National is back this year
The Lamb National is back this year

What entertainment will there be?

The fun fair with the helter skelter and its usual rides will be there. The bandstand with its live music performances will also be there and, in place of Titan the robot, there will be a 'real life' Henry the unicorn.

For fans of the Elmer trail in Maidstone currently, there will be a travelling Elmer.

K9 Aqua Sports will be there for all the brave dogs ready to take the plunge - and splash a few spectators!

Is your dog as brave as Robbie the labrador at a previous Kent County Show? Picture: John Westhrop (38142957)
Is your dog as brave as Robbie the labrador at a previous Kent County Show? Picture: John Westhrop (38142957)

The miniature railway will be offering rides and, new this year, will be tractor rides from the woodland area to the car park, if you don't fancy the walk.

The area will also have axe throwing, archery and chainsaw carving displays.

The Sheep Show will not be attending this year, or the Pole Climbing Championships and there will not be a Spitfure flypast.

For heritage fans, there will be pre and post war cars, tractors, steam engines, commercial vehicles and buses and a parade around the showground on both days.

The helter skelter will be back - but there will be no flypasts Picture: Martin Apps
The helter skelter will be back - but there will be no flypasts Picture: Martin Apps

How much are tickets?

The last time the show was held, in 2019, tickets cost £23 on the gate for adults. Tickets for the summer fayre are £16, and need to be pre-booked. To buy tickets click here.

Titan the Robot is taking a break this year
Titan the Robot is taking a break this year

What is the outlook for the Kent County Show to return next year?

Chairman of organisers the Kent County Agricultural Society, James Forknall, has said: “It is so important to us this year, to put on a show to help business owners grow after some very challenging times, whilst also encouraging the public to once again enjoy a great and safe day out. It is very much hoped, and everyone at the Kent County Agricultural Society’s aim, to be able to put on a full Kent County Show in 2022.”

He added: "Although the Kent County Summer Fayre is a scaled-back version of the normal Kent County Show, it promises to be a fantastic day out packed with entertainment and many of the Show favourites we know and love.”

For more events across Kent click here.

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