THE most important day in Cheshire’s calendar starts on Tuesday as the Royal Cheshire Show begins at Tabley Showground.

There’s a host of show rings on offer for guests to enjoy including cattle rings, sheep, goats, pigs, rare breeds, light horse section, shire horse ring, British Showjumping, pigeons, rabbits and cavies and a poultry exhibition.

On Tuesday, the action in the main ring starts at 9.45am, while on Wednesday it starts at 9am.

There is a music bandstand, a ‘live’ food theatre featuring celebrity chefs, a village green featuring performances from Cheshire-based groups, an agricultural centre detailing how farmers in the county go about their business, the ‘Four Seasons of Farming’ exhibition, a flower marquee and a poultry and egg competition.

Here's a map of the showground - zoom in to get a better look!

Knutsford Guardian:

Weather wise, it’s looking like Tuesday will be the better day, sunshine and 23 degrees Celsius, while Wednesday is set to be cloudy and cooler.

We’ve broken down all you need to know about the show – and the most important information - in a handy guide.

When does it open and close

8am gates open – kick out time is 6pm

Where is it?

The Royal Cheshire Showground, Clay House Farm, Knutsford, WA16 0JF – use this if you have a Sat Nav Getting there Free Bus Services - a free bus service to the showground will operate from Knutsford train and bus stations, Hartford Railway Station, and Northwich train station.

The first bus to the showground from Knutsford – stopping at Adams Hill, Stanley Road, Bexton Road, Knutsford Bus Station, Stanley Road, Northwich Road, Chester Road, Pickmere Lane to the Showground - leaves at 8am and the last one departs the showground at 7pm.

The first free bus leaving Hartford train station departs at 8am – stopping at Chester Road, Castle Street, Bull Ring, Watling Street, Chester Way, Station Road, Manchester Road, Hall Lane, Church Street and Pickmere Lane to the Showground – the last one back departs the showground at 7pm.

Buses will operate between 8am and 11am and 3pm and 7pm.

Highways England, which is responsible for the M6 and M56 and the new A556 Knutsford to Bowdon link road, is working with Cheshire East Council, which is responsible for local roads, to manage traffic for the event.

Tickets

Gate Prices: Adult: £20, Child: £10 and Family: £45. Parking is free.

Tickets are valid for one day only.

Advanced prices start at £17 for adults

Can I bring my dog?

Well yes, of course but as long as they are kept on a lead and remain under control. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. But please note dogs are strictly not permitted in the Roberts Bakery Food Hall and Food Live Theatre, the Cheese Hall, or Poultry, Pigeon, Rabbit and Cavy Marquee.

Drinks and Eats

Tabley Restaurant and Bar, adjacent to the Cattle Judging Rings also serves full meals and breakfasts for the general public, stockmen and Members. Numerous mobile catering units around the Showground provide a wide choice of Snacks, Ice Cream, Sandwiches and Drinks. Several public bars around the Show Ground sell alcoholic drinks.

What if I run out of cash?

Don’t worry – there’s a cash machine on the corner of the Main Ring, close to the Motor Traders area.

Wheelchair hire

Mobility Hire 4 You will be providing electric scooters and manual wheelchairs for hire, for use by disabled, elderly and mobility impaired visitors to the show. Scooter hire is £20 and £10 for a manual wheelchair for the day. Advanced booking is recommended, please contact “Mobility Hire 4 You” by visiting their website www.mobilityhire4you.com. Alternatively, you can call Mary, Harriet or Ashleigh on 01353 653752 and they will be happy to assist you with your booking.

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The Guardian will be running a live blog on the Tuesday of the show, so keep checking the website for all the latest information.

If you’re using Twitter, use the hashtag #RCCS2017 and we'll publish your tweets showing you enjoying the show.