Show set to be joust terrific

And knights in shining armour will be the main attraction for many as the Knights of Arkley put on a jousting exhibition in the main ring.

The show, which started in the 1850s as a ploughing match between rival farmers, is now the official Oxfordshire County Show as well as the Thame Show.

And it will go back to its roots with a ploughing match during the day, much of it done by the "Rusty Club", the Thame and Princes Risborough Vintage Farm Machinery Club.

Show secretary Mike Howse is looking forward to a good day. He said: "With Thame's being a one-day show the weather is all important. But as long as the rain keeps off we shall be all right."

The show features many events.

The farming side has classes for cattle and sheep and the countryside aspect has the donkeys, goats, a carcass competition and carriage driving.

But the main interest for local people is in the horticultural side, with flowers, fruit, vegetables and flower arrangement classes being eagerly contested mainly by Thame area people.

Caged birds, rabbits and dogs have their competition classes.

A feature of the show is the number of local charities, like the Friends of Thame Hospital, having their own stalls alongside national charities and with schools and colleges advertising their courses.

In the main ring will be terrier racing, sheep dog displays, long netting, gundogs and classic cars.

Some of the UK's top showjumpers will be competing for cash prizes and for qualifying for major events like the Horse of the Year Show.

In the trade tents there will be local and national craftspeople with tools, country clothing, knitwear, furniture and plants.

Show organisers are running a shuttle bus service to get people from Thame to the show.

It will run from the old court house in Lower High Street to the Kingsey Road showground between 10am and 4pm.

Tickets are £11 but for junior and senior citizens they are £8.