With just three days to go until the Royal Show - the excitement is building for the UK's most prestigious agricultural event, which this year focuses on the show's traditional agricultural roots.
 
The Royal Show, which runs from 3rd - 6th July 2005 at Stoneleigh Park, near Kenilworth, Warwickshire, is always a key event of the summer show season. With over 160,000 visitors due to attend, it's set to be bigger than Hyde Park's Live 8!
 
There couldn't be a more suitable venue than the Royal Show to champion the many achievements and successes of the nation's farmers - and this year there are more prestigious livestock and agricultural competitions than ever before.
 
Perhaps the biggest change is a new programme of free conferences, which promises to help find new opportunities in a changing rural community. Supplying a global market is the theme for the first day, sponsored by the International Agriculture & Technology Centre.
 
EU Farms Commissioner Marian Fischer Boel will deliver the keynote speech. And the European Commission will be exhibiting for the first time at this year's Show. Visitors to the stand will be able to gain a unique insight into the opportunities that exist with the 10 new Member States and get a closer look at our new partners.
 
The food chain takes centre stage on Monday, with the conference session sponsored by MacDonald's Restaurants. The Environment - the new agricultural commodity - is the theme for the Tuesday, sponsored by ADAS, while innovative technology for cattle management and selection, sponsored by Merial Animal Health, will be the focus on Wednesday.
 
Competition hots up in the livestock stalls, with a new feature, 'Beefbuyers Choice', where members of the public will be able to vote for their own best in show. With over 1400 beef cattle, over 1700 sheep and 358 pigs, livestock numbers are up on last year, while native breeds are heading for a comeback.
 
The very best of British equine talent will be displayed at this year's show, with the Royal showground featuring the largest competition arena in the UK. Highlights include a new ridden class award, the highly-respected ridden and working hunter classes and qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show. Equine enthusiasts will also be given the unprecedented opportunity to learn how to play polo, as represented by Ascot Park Polo Club and sponsored by Kia Motors.
 
According to managing director of Haymarket Land Events Dominique Loral, it's definitely time to celebrate the achievements and successes of Britain's farmers: "The Royal Show is the image of what is happening in the agricultural market place. There is no other event that can bring the entire industry together and shout about its achievements.”

“Agriculture is currently going through its biggest culture change and rural communities facing their biggest challenges since the Second World War, so showcasing new ideas has never been more important. We should use the Royal Show as a platform to show the world that Britain is a leader in agriculture, agribusiness and innovation. It genuinely is, and that's why I'm so keen to celebrate it."
The Royal Show will also be commemorating the role played during the Second World War by Britain's farmers and growers and those that worked the land.  What better way for the Show to remind its visitors of the supreme efforts of those that tilled for victory, than to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war with a spectacular pageant focusing on the events that had a major impact on the Home Front. Each morning during the show, the showcase procession will educate and enthrall the young and perhaps bring a tear to the eye of more senior visitors.
 
Whilst focusing on its traditional agricultural roots, the Royal Show is a great day out for all the family, packed with features, entertainment and food - including Henrietta Green's Food Lovers' Fair - that are all integral parts of our British country lifestyle. From the finest speciality and regional food and drink to stock up your British larder, to thrills and spills of polo and Britain's top show jumpers performing in the Grand Ring, there really is something for everyone. You'll find new and original ideas galore in the Country Lifestyle area, featuring flowers, crafts, country pursuits and exclusive shopping. It's a great opportunity to meet friends, enjoy the rich variety of the British rural community and join in the celebration!