Annual extravaganza the New Forest Show gets underway today and promises a jam-packed line-up. 

This year’s event at New Park in Brockenhurst on July 29, 30 and 31 looks set to offer something for everyone.

As one of the largest agricultural shows in the country, there will be thousands of horses jumping, showing and performing in the four show rings and hundreds of cattle, sheep and pigs competing in more than 360 classes.

If you're unsure what to see, then here's a list of 10 things you shouldn't miss. 

Bournemouth Echo:

1. Get Hands-on

The theme for this year’s show is ‘hands-on’, and there will be chances to milk a cow, make a scarecrow or hold a baby chick. With plenty of things for people young and old to get involved in, there will be plenty of fun to be had.

Bournemouth Echo: Our pictures of the New Forest Show.

2. Show Jumping

A main part of the show is the international class show jumping that happens every day of the festival, alongside a full range of equestrian classes. Over 2,500 horses will compete at the show and over 38 prestigious ‘Horse of the Year Show’ Qualifying Classes will be rewarded.

Bournemouth Echo:

3. Circus Tricks

At Forest Fun Factory’s Circus Workshop you can learn how to juggle, spin plates and much more. Another part of getting ‘hands-on,’ this will be plenty of fun for people of every age!

Bournemouth Echo: James Durrant has returned to The Plough Inn after starring in The Great British Menu

4. Cookery Demonstration Theatre

James Durrant, from the BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’ is among many other chefs from the county who will be teaching you how to cook tasty meals using local produce. They will be on at different times throughout the day, so if you want to learn more about how to cook good food then it’s well worth a watch!

Bournemouth Echo: Hundreds of bees surrounding a honeycomb (EL3564-903)

5. Bee Demonstrations

For a more unusual attraction that you don’t see every day, make a visit to the bee demonstrations at the show. Beekeepers will be giving the displays in a honey tent with live bees, and there will be even be awards and trophies to be won. Honey products will be available to buy, so this will be a great attraction for all.

Bournemouth Echo:

6. Don’t forget lunch!

One of the greatest parts of a day out has to be the mealtime! Treat yourself to a great British cider or sink your teeth into a hog roast, there will be no shortage of great food and drink at the show. The only difficulty will be choosing what to have...

Bournemouth Echo:

7. Tunes from Swish

For any musical theatre lovers this should be a great show. West End and Broadway tunes will be sung, dancing will be done and it will get everyone moving! If you fancy that little bit of musicality in your time at the show then definitely give these guys a watch.

Bournemouth Echo: Our pictures of the New Forest Show.

8. The Flower Show

It’s not quite Chelsea but it’s still extremely beautiful. Learn how to arrange flowers and watch the professionals at their best aiming to win competitions. One for the ladies, (and the gentlemen too), this will be a popular event.

Bournemouth Echo: Punch and Judy in Kingston

9. Punch and Judy

It doesn’t matter what age you are, Punch and Judy is timeless. Always funny and always popular with adults and kids alike, it is on first thing on the entertainments listing, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Bournemouth Echo: The crowd on the final day of the show

10. The atmosphere

The list of things not to miss at the New Forest Show is endless. But the atmosphere of the show is one that must be experienced. The buzz of the entertainment alongside the tensity of the competition and the happy show goers makes for a great day.

Tickets are no longer available to buy online but they will be available to buy on the day.