FINGERS crossed the weather holds out, because this year’s Kent Show looks set to be the best one yet.

Whether this is your first visit or you visit every year, the 2005 three-day extravaganza at the Detling showground, from Friday to Sunday, July 15 to 17, has something for everyone.

The Kent Messenger has produced this comprehensive 16-page guide telling you everything you need to know about this year’s show and on the centre pages you will find a handy map and exhibitor list telling you where everything can be found.

2005 will be an important show for renowned agricultural and horticultural Hadlow College. Three years ago the college was practically resigned to the rubbish dump, dogged by a bad reputation and low student numbers. Miraculously, their sheer hard work and determination has paid off and this year applications are up by more than 50 per cent this year. Their two stands promise to be an interactive treat, with a Dingly Dell, misty woodland and hatching chicks.

Food lovers will be in for a treat in the impressive food expo hall. The Kent Pavilion will be this year’s centrepiece, boasting a wide range of tasty foods from Britain, France and America. Budding Jamie Olivers will be able to brush up on their skills by watching chefs including former Food and Drink presenter Michael Barry divulge the secrets of the trade.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear the sound of wolves howling as you take a leisurely stroll through the show ground because Murrain Wood, one of the prettiest areas of the show ground, will be home to a family of wolves.

The UK Wolf and Conservation Trust is bringing some of the beautiful animals to the show, which will be kept in a secure enclosure, and is a must for everyone to get the chance to see these alluring creatures.

There’s also big changes in store at this year’s show. There will also be new displays and exhibitors throughout the show, some who are brand new and others who are firm favourites from past years. The biggest change is the extended opening hours on Friday and Saturday. Although trade stands and livestock exhibitions will still close at 6pm, visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment in the Falmouth Ring until 8pm.

With the usual mix of farm animals, tasty Kent grown produce and colourful displays of plants, this year’s show is one you would be a fool to miss.