TWO for the price of one. This year the Kent Show, starting today, includes the Detling Steam Rally, previously held as a separate event.

The rally, which has been running for 30 years, will have its own arena, and other attractions include a Wall of Death, The Kent Youth Trials Bike demonstration, military vehicles, old buses, vintage cars and motorcycles, traction engines, stationary engines and commercial vehicles.

The Kent Show at Detling, near Maidstone, runs over three days from today through to Sunday. Opening times are from 8am to 6pm. Admission is £16 for adults, £7 for children, £11 for pensioners and a family ticket costs £39. Parking is free.

Another new attraction this year will be the Murrain Wood Food Court where visitors will be able to enjoy a host of delicacies among a beautiful woodland setting.

Within this area, a new pathway will lead to the working horses of Natural Traction.

These horses will work in the forestry area demonstrating an environmentally friendly alternative to the task of timber extraction.

One of Kent Show’s most endearing demonstrations has to be the Sheep Show, a fun and educational look at the various breeds of sheep with the emphasis on wool. It will be presented by New Zealanders Richard Savory and Stuart Barnes and will include a sheep shearing demonstration.

The Adrenaline Zone returns again this year with attractions such as the reverse bungee jump and kiddies’ quad bikes, and a 9ft tall futuristic robot. There will also be dancing demonstrations and free lessons.

Live music features throughout the weekend.

With show jumping events, extensive livestock displays, plant and garden displays as well as the many vegetable, fruit and floral exhibitions, there should be something of interest for everyone.

There will be more than 500 trade stalls, selling everything from furniture to new cars.

The Kent Messenger Group will have its own stand at the show. It will focus on the theme Great Days Out and offer information on Kent’s tourist attractions, help with planning the family’s summer itinerary and the chance to win a family holiday to the Algarve courtesy of Kent Escapes, flying from Manston airport.A new feature this year will be our Editors on a Sofa event – giving visitors the chance to chat informally to some of the editors who produce our many papers across the county. Visit us on stand 211 by entrance one.