The biggest event on the British agricultural calendar returns to Llanelwedd next week.

The Royal Welsh Show opens on Monday, July 24, for four action-packed days of farming, food and fun in the sun in store for the thousands of visitors heading to the showground.

Among the VIPs expected to attend is First Minister Carwyn Jones

Along with a packed programme of livestock competitions, with entries travelling from far and wide to compete, the show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports and shopping.

This year’s food hall will once again be full of local food and drink producers offering a taste of Wales, including Newtown-based Hilltop Honey, Morgan’s Brew tea from Welshpool, and Radnor Hills Water.

Ridiculously Rich by Alana, the new confectionary business set up by Apprentice winner Alana Spencer, will also have a stand.

There is a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays.

Top attractions this year include falconry displays, brass bands, vintage machinery, the Kangaroo Kid and the Lorenzo International Horse Display.

On the back of the success of the Royal Welsh Show app, the society in conjunction with S4C and Moilin Cyf, have produced a new upgraded version for this year’s show to make sure that you catch all the excitement from the showground.

Visitors to the show will be able to upgrade last year’s app, or download this year’s version before the show for free.

This bilingual tool includes an interactive map of the showground which makes it easy to locate all the attractions at the show, a full timetable of events and competitions and allows you to create your own timetable to make sure that you don't miss a thing.

Visitors are reminded to stay hydrated, be prepared for slow traffic, and stock up on sun cream.

n Get our eight-page special of news and pictures from the Royal Welsh Show in next week’s County Times.