THE longest-running horticultural show in the country is set to take place in Hawkesbury Upton next week.

The annual Hawkesbury Show, now in its 129th consecutive year, will once again take over the village on Saturday, August 30.

Starting with a carnival procession along High Street at 1.30pm and the crowning of the carnival Queen by show president the Duke of Beaufort, the day’s events will include a falconry display, dog agility demonstration, archery lessons and around 50 craft and charity stalls.

The procession, led by Nailsworth Silver Band, will culminate at the show ground, otherwise known as the recreation ground, where a large marquee will house hundreds of entries into the horticultural show including fruit, vegetables, flowers, homemade cakes, wines and preserves, photographs and crafts all made by members of the community.

Food stalls will sell everything from Sri Lankan chutneys to specialist tea. Popular Show compere Martin Gardener will oversee events which also include a raffle, face painting, ice cream van, Pimms tent and auction of produce carried out by Nick Cragg, of Country Properties in Chipping Sodbury.

Show secretary Vicky Rispin said: "I hope I am not tempting fate but everything seems in place for showday, with a couple of weeks to spare.

“I am really looking forward to the return of the fantastic hawks’ flying display in the arena and the dog obedience demonstration during the afternoon.

“But my favourite part of the show is the auction of donated exhibits at the end of the show. It's great fun to bid for bags of prize-winning fruit, vegetables, flowers, baking and home-produced wine for a very reasonable price.”

Show chairman Keith Player said the committee was hoping for a record number of exhibits this year. Anyone thinking of entering any of the 120 adult classes of nearly 40 children’s categories can download an entry form on at www.hawkesburyshow.org

Said Mr Player: “We look forward to regular exhibitors, occasional exhibitors and brand new exhibitors, both local or from further afield.”