Royalty, army gun teams, display falcons and, of course, farmers are gearing up for the 80th Kent County Show.

Organisers say preparations are well advanced for the start of the show on Friday at the Kent Showground in Detling Hill.

Thousands of visitors - including The Earl and Countess of Wessex - are expected at the event which brings livestock shows, countryside pursuits and family entertainment to the showground throughout the weekend.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will perform twice daily in the main Astor Ring, demonstrating sword skills, firing revolvers from galloping horses and manoeuvering a 'thirteen pounder' state saluting gun.

Other performances and attractions include hawking, trial bikes, vintage tractors, a sheep dog and duck display, dancing sheep, dog trials and Titan the Robot.

News in Pictures – a Kent Messenger Anniversary Exhibition - will be at the showground all three days with more than a 100 pictures from the Kent Messenger's archives.

Police dog demonstrations will also take place on all three days and the handlers will explain the role of the police dog.

Kent Police will have strong presence at the show, with forensic investigators and officers from the marine unit giving demonstrations and talking to visitors

Tickets, £17 adults, £7.50 children and £12 senior citizens are available on the gate. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £43.

For further information call 01622 630975.

For more details, see the Kent Messenger and What's On magazine.

• Under last week's Detling village news we said that two children per adult were allowed free entry. This was only under advanced ticket sales, which have now closed.