STEEPED in history and tradition the Hawkesbury Horticultural Show is back for its 126th year.

The show actually dates back to the 13th century but has been going in its current format for over a century and 2011 is expected to be as good as ever.

The president of the show is the Duke of Beaufort and organisers expect around 2,000 people to attend on Saturday, August 27.

From early in the morning of show day, when the fire is lit for the deer roast, the village will become a hive of activity.

Villagers of all ages will make their way to the show tent to present their offerings from giant parsnips and perfect shiny apples to paintings, delicious sponge cakes, flowers and homemade wine.

Fiona Rowe, of the show committee, said: "By lunchtime the village is bursting with villagers past and present. Seemingly every generation of relative returns to Hawkesbury to enjoy the day and regale tales of shows gone by.

"At a time when countless traditional horticultural shows are disappearing from the calendar the Hawkesbury Show remains the highlight of the year in the village."

While the judging takes place the carnival procession gets underway with the crowning of the carnival queen at 2pm and the procession following from The Plain at Hawkesbury Upton.

The entertainment continues throughout the day with fairground rides, Morris dancers, Nailsworth Silver Band, archery and birds of prey displays, a tractor pull, traditional stalls and a beer tent.

This year there will also be juggling, stilt walking and unicycle-riding by entertainer John Caudrey, as well as Fast Draw – the wild west hand gun challenge.

Gates open at 12.30pm, procession at 2.10pm, trophies and prizes for the horticultural show will be given out at 5.30pm by local foodie and countryside enthusiasts Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, mother of Hugh from River Cottage.