THE first ever county show in South Gloucestershire is shaping up ahead of its launch this summer.

The South Gloucestershire Show, on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, will include 24 live bands, arena events, a mini balloon fiesta, a motor sports zone, fishing contest, interactive golf falconry, a classic car display, clay pigeon shooting and its own theatre.

Organisers are hoping to welcome 20,000 visitors through the gates at Windmill Fishery, just outside of Westerleigh, over the course of the two-day event which runs from 10.30am until 9pm.

Bands to perform on a music stage include The Diversions, The Idol Statues, Bad Dads in the Shed, Dirty Thursday and the Ukelele Funhouse Orchestra and local acts Fascinating Rhythm, Frampton Shanty Men and King Edmund Acrogymnastics Club will be among those taking to the arena.

For motoring enthusiasts there will be a SJ Cook four-wheel drive area, a daredevil motorcycle stunt show by Flyin Ryan and Extreme Wheels road show, a classic car display featuring 250 vintage vehicles and Bristol Motor Club’s drive like The Stig track challenge.

Sports fans can watch Gloucestershire RFU’s live demonstrations, take part in a PGA interactive game or a fishing competition featuring well-known South Gloucestershire finalists Des Ship and Shaun Townsend, or try their hand at clay pigeon with the Shooting School UK.

A 12-metre children’s zone will include toys, circus skills, a Punch and Judy show, balloon modelling and entertainers.

Shoppers can enjoy vast trade tents and a food village will sell everything from fudge to fajitas. There will also be a health and well being area where reiki, Indian head massage and massage taster sessions will be available as well as workshops.

Show director Darren Hawkins told the Gazette plans were on track.

“Everything is on target,” he said. “We have had our first meeting with our volunteers who will help marshal the event and tickets are selling well.

“This is not a small show by any stretch of the imagination but we are very much aiming it at families and we are encouraging as many people as possible to cycle to the show. Anyone who does will be entered into a draw to win a £500 bike.”

He said all issues with neighbouring residents, who had objected to the application for the show’s licence, had been ironed out.

“We haven’t had any further issues and we have held meetings with the police and the council,” added Mr Hawkins.

“This is a big show but it is all about the family and we have kept ticket prices as low as possible for that reason.”

The show site, spread across 176 acres, will include 50 acres for parking. Eight staff have been employed to organise the event. For further details and tickets, priced at £10 an adult for one day or £15 for two days, visit www.southglosshow.co.uk