THE popular Poole Town and Country Show is back in August at Upton Country Park.

The two day event on August 1 and 2 will be the seventh time the show has been staged, combining the best of rural events with music, crafts and plenty of activities for children.

"We hope to repeat the great turnout achieved in previous years," said Emma Owen, director of Oakleigh Fairs, which organises the annual event.

"There will be something for everyone," she said.

This includes falconry and birds of prey displays, Totally Ponies, Purbeck Gun Dogs display team, ferret racing with Wessex Ferrets, Totally Terriers racing team, children's farm, fighting knights from the Medieval Free Company and Totally Goats bottle feeding lambs and kids.

A new attraction this year is the Amazing Kondini, a traditional side show act whose strongman act and skills with a drill are said to astonish.

There will be rural demonstrations including besom broom making along with other traditional skills.

On Sunday there is a Companion Dog Show, with all proceeds from the event sponsored by Skinner's Pet Foods, going to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

"And we will also have very popular music from Celtic Swing playing throughout the weekend with their blend of traditional and folk music," said Emma.

Children will be entertained by juggler, story teller and professional fool Devilstick Peat, and there will be inflatables and a children's fairground.

The extensive grounds at the front of the Grade II* listed country house, will also have arts, crafts and gift marquees, as well as lifestyle and food stands. The event is fully catered and there will be a licensed bar featuring real ales and scrumpy.

Trade stands are available and interest from associations and special interest groups who wish to participate are welcome.

Gates are open from 10am to 5pm each day and entry is £6 for adults, £5 concessions, £3 for children aged five to 16 with a family ticket for two adults and two children for £15.

For more information or advance tickets go to oakleighfairs.co.uk/upton.