County show to celebrate what 'makes Kent special'

News imagePhil Harrison/BBC Sheep in pens being led by people in white coats.Phil Harrison/BBC
The event takes place at Detling Showground, with about 100,000 attendees expected

The return of the Kent County Show for its 95th edition will "celebrate everything that makes Kent special", organisers have said.

The three-day event, which takes place at Detling Showground, runs from Friday until Sunday, with about 100,000 attendees expected over the three days.

It is organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society and has been the county's showcase event for farming, agriculture and countryside life since 1929.

There will be more than 400 trade stands and exhibitors, with shows across the weekend including livestock, equine, food, heritage and family entertainment.

News imagePhil Harrison/BBC A man in a green and blue top, a woman in a blue gillet and a woman in a green top.Phil Harrison/BBC
Will Hope, Sophie Huntley and Megan Doyle have travelled from Salisbury for the show

Will Hope, Sophie Huntley and Megan Doyle are showing their sheep at the show, having travelled from Salisbury.

Sophie said it was "important that people understand what farming is like" and that the event showed that "we care for our animals".

Will said: "Farming can be quite lonely and voiceless as we are so busy in the fields, so to come here and show what we do makes us proud."

'Fantastic opportunity'

Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran said: "The show is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Kent special, while meeting residents face-to-face and talking about the services and support available through the council."

Any profits from the show will go to the Kent County Agricultural Society charity.

Attendees are advised to arrive early – before 10:00 BST on Saturday and Sunday if possible.

People travelling along the A249 are being advised to leave extra time for their journeys as people head to the show.

The closest train stations to the site are Maidstone East and Bearsted, but a taxi will be needed to reach the site from both.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.