This weekend sees the Kent County Show open its gates for the 90th time.

The show has been the main event in Kent's summer calendar and this year’s - which opens on Friday, July 5 - is no exception.

Aiming to bring together the best the county has to offer, it will be packed with livestock displays, food halls, vintage vehicles, horticulture and woodland activities and this year's highlight will be a world champion cossack riding team.

The International Dzhigitovka Show will bring thrills and spills - all on horseback - in the main arena at the Kent Showground, near Maidstone, from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7.

The British Dzhigitovka Team will be joined by current world champion Sergey Murugov and other national champions, to showcase their world class military and gymnastic skills, all from horseback with flaming jumps, horseback archery, and human pyramids.

• Don't miss our guide to everything to do with the kids at the Kent County Show

Thousands of animals looking their finest will be strutting their stuff in the rings, while visitors can indulge in some nostalgia with vintage vehicles and woodland activities, demonstrations of rural crafts and visitors can even learn about cows being milked.

The spectacular Spirit of Kent Spitfire will soar overhead on all three days and visitors can look upwards to see the UK Pole Climbing Championships.

Scrumptious food offerings include the Cherry and Soft Fruit Show - where the cherries named best in show will be sent to the Queen to taste - a food hall with 50 food and drink producers, a tempting cheese and wine tent and produce from the Garden of England showcased by Produced in Kent.

See our guide to where to see livestock at the Kent County Show

There will be live music including morris dancing, a one man band and a series of live acts on the bandstand throughout the weekend and for children, there will be Punch and Judy, Tractor Ted and pony rides.

Show manager Lucy Hegarty said: “After having the Household Cavalry Musical Ride this year, we needed to find something to match the spectacle for our 90th show.

“The International Dzhigitovka Show will bring a touch of daring to the show and I’m sure our visitors will enjoy the incredible stunts the cossack team will be performing.”

The team will perform on all three days of the show, joining displays and performances from the Royal British Legion Romford Marching Band, the Spirit of Kent Spitfire flypast, and popular Titan the Robot.

The KM Group will be bringing some high-flying fun of its own at its stand which this year is with the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance. We have the chance for visitors to pick up a free goody bag and for kids to get a free helicopter toy. Pick up a copy of this week's What's On to collect your voucher to be in with a chance of getting one of the toys at the stand while stocks last.

DETAILS

The Kent County Show organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, will be at the Kent Showground in Detling, near Maidstone, on Friday, July 5, Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7.

Gates open at 8am each day. Tickets cost £23 on the gate for adults, £7 for five to 15-year-olds and £50 for a family, with under fives going free. Car parking is free.

Visit kentshowground.co.uk for more details or call 01622 630975.

Read more: All the latest events across the county