The Kent County Show – now in its 85th year – seems to get bigger and better as the years pass, and this year's bumper event, over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is no exception.

Visitors are promised a host of attractions, from the awesome power of the JCB Dancing Diggers to Titan the Robot, a Spitfire flypast and the wonderful sound of the county's own Royal Engineers' Band.

This year there's a larger Countryside Area that will include everything from ferret racing, birds of prey and otters to hounds and other countryside pursuits, such as working gun dogs.

The Forestry area will feature traditional and modern methods of timber extraction and traditional craft skills.

Agriculture has always been central to the show and this year, themed Why Farming Matters, the focus will be on showing how food gets to the fork.

Back by popular demand is the Spirit of Kent Spitfire which will be appearing on all three days of the show, doing a flypast at 12.30pm.

The many arena events include horse jumping, ferret and terrier racing and fancy dress shows for livestock, courtesy of the Young Farmers. There is also the chance to see rural crafts, such as stick making, clog making, hurdle making, basket weaving and wood turning.

If you like vintage vehicles, you are in for a treat. As well as a static display, there will be parades of heritage vehicles throughout the show, including buses, mighty steam engines and early tractors.

You will also be able to see the Kent Police dogs being put through their paces in an impressive arena display.

Livestock is another essential component and this year an even great number of entries is expected, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas, alpacas and rabbits. This year will also see the welcome return for many years of the donkey classes on the Sunday.

Titan the Robot will return to the showground. At 8ft tall, he will amaze you with his singing abilities and flattering comments. A must see!

For the shopaholics there will be the traditional mix of shopping trade-stands where you can buy anything from a car to tractor, a conservatory to an overseas property or quality food to luxury clothing items. There will also be a large number of catering outlets, once again supporting Kent farmers.

Gardeners will delight in the Flower Show which has a number of new exhibitors for 2008. The floral art show promises wonderful displays by adults and children. New this year is a demonstration on the art of topiary with expert Charlotte Molesworth.

The Kent Youth Trials Club will demonstrate their motorcycle skills over an obstacle course, while the famous Wall of Death will show how to defy gravity.

New for 2008 is the Ecovillage which will be showcasing the very best in environmental and sustainable living in Kent.