ONE of the highlights of the Cheshire social calendar will this year be graced by a royal.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal has this week accepted a role as president of this year’s Cheshire County Show.

The Princess will visit the Tabley Showground for the second day of the two-day event on Wednesday, June 19.

Allostock farmer Tony Garnett, chairman of the Cheshire Show, said: “We are thrilled to announce HRH the Princess Royal as president of this year’s Cheshire County Show, and it will be an honour and delight to welcome her to the event in our 175th anniversary year.

“The Princess is well known for her love of equestrian sports, so I am sure she will enjoy the numerous horse classes that will take place during her visit as well as the other fabulous displays of livestock and other animals in competition and the wonderful atmosphere of the showground.”

This is the second royal visit in as many years for the show, with the Countess of Wessex attending during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

The show, which is held at the Tabley Showground, near Knutsford, is expected to attract more than 80,000 visitors over the two days, and will again focus on the county’s rich agricultural heritage with thousands of livestock, horses and dogs in competition.

In addition to the animals the public will get the chance to see a rural past times including falconry, ferreting and a pack of hounds in the Countryside Experience Area, while the Roberts Speciality Food Live Theatre will see live cookery demonstrations from TV chefs Simon Rimmer, and Nigel Haworth, Masterchef: The Professionals winner Claire Lara, Brian Mellor and Sean Wilson.

The main attractions also include a display by one of the world’s leading stunt motorcyclists, Matt Coulter AKA ‘The Kangaroo Kid’, and live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band, who return by popular demand.

Tony added: “This year’s show will be a true celebration of Cheshire’s agricultural heritage but also a great celebration of the agricultural professionals that continue to make the county such a vibrant farming community.”

For more information visit cheshirecountyshow.org.uk.