In a month's time all creatures great and small will be gathering for the start of one of the county's biggest events of the year.

The Kent County Show, at the Kent Showground in Detling, will open its gates on Friday, July 10.

This year's show has the world famous RAF Red Arrows taking to the skies on the first day of its three-day run, which is until Sunday, July 12.

With some 150 activities, shows, displays and attractions, there will be something for all at the event, which is organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society.

The Kent Spitfire will be flying overhead all three days, and new for this year will be free circus workshops and donkey rides.

It will also feature two display areas where the birds and the bees will take centre stage.

The Kent Poultry Club and the Kent Beekeepers' Association will both have exceptional demonstrations, competitions and interactive areas and are well worth a visit.

Show manager Lucy Hegarty said: "In the past few years we have been very impressed by the standard of these particular areas of the Show, both the poultry and the bees are indicative of what a County Show is about. Visitors are able to take part in interactive displays, learn about the different aspects of poultry and bee-keeping and really begin to understand how vital it is for us to maintain these traditions."

John Chapman from Kent Beekeepers' Association said: "There are lots of different types of bee in the UK – around 250 species in fact, with 24 species of bumblebees, approximately 225 species of solitary bee and just a single honeybee species. Our Bee and Honey area will be set in a lovely green part of the showground next to Murrain Wood, and we will have experts on hand every day to explain the truth and dispel the myths about these wonderful creatures."

Visitors will be able to taste the different honey available and learn about the variety of colours and flavours.

Children and adults will also be able to take part in making their own beeswax candle, and see the popular observation hives where visitors can see a working colony. There are also live bee demonstrations four times a day.

The Kent Poultry Club marquee will be themed as The Garden of England and will feature a mock oast house and duck pond.

Visitors will be able to pet a chick, hen or duck, who are chosen for their temperament to sit and lap up attention.

Lorna Luckhurst, club secretary, said: "The Show is a huge commitment for the club and each year and we have a dedicated group of volunteers who give up time to come along. Each year we are overwhelmed by the number of people who visit with a genuine interest in keeping poultry. The chicks always prove very popular, but it is the expertise that many find so helpful."

Tickets are on sale online for the show. A family ticket costs £41 in advance or £48 on the gate. The family ticket is for two adults and two children between five and 15. Under fives go free and parking is also free. Adult tickets are £18.50 in advance and £22 on the gate, concessions are £13 when bought online and £15 on the gate.

The show is open from 8am until 6pm. For details visit www.kentshowground.co.uk