The big night is nearly here.

KEiBA 2017 will see 50 finalists battle it out across 16 categories in the most prestigious business awards in Kent.

If you are going to the gala dinner on Thursday, here are 10 things you need to know to make sure you make the most of the night.

Where is it?

The awards take place in the Clive Emson Conference Centre, one of the main buildings at the Kent Event Centre. This is at the Kent Showground in Detling, where the Kent County Show happens each year. The venue, incidentally, is named after last year's winner of the KEiBA outstanding contribution to business in Kent award, Clive Emson.

When should I arrive?

The drinks reception starts at 5.30pm and the formal part of the evening begins at 6.30pm.

Can I get there on public transport?

The nearest train station is Bearsted and a taxi to the venue will cost about £21. We generally recommend people arrive by car.

Can I leave the car?

There is plenty of parking at the Kent Event Centre and you will be able to pick up your vehicle the following day.

Who hosts the awards?

KEiBA is staged by the KM Group and Kent County Council. The presenters of the ceremony on the night will be kmfm presenter Andy Walker and kmfm breakfast newsreader Nicola Everett.

How long does the ceremony last?

The awards are given out in two sessions, with about a two-hour break for dinner. The aim is for the final award to be handed out by 10.20pm. There will also be a raffle during this ceremony in aid of the awards' charities Kent Wildlife Trust and Port Lympne Reserve.

What entertainment is there?

After the awards have been given out it's time to party. There will be live music from the Rockpins and a casino where you have the chance to win some KEiBA dollars.

Is there anything to take home?

Do not forget to pick up your KEiBA goody bag on your way out, filled with trinkets from our sponsors and the all-important KEiBA handbook with profiles about all the winners and finalists.

If I can't attend the awards, where can I find out the results?

There will be live updates throughout the night for followers of @KentBusiness on Twitter. Details of the winners will be online at KentBusiness.co.uk within minutes of the ceremony coming to a close. You can also see a picture special from the night in the next print edition of Kent Business, free inside the Kent Messenger and Medway Messenger, on Thursday, June 29.

I didn't enter this year but I'd love to get involved in 2018? How do I do that?

Entries for the 2018 awards open in January. You can find out more at keiba.co.uk and at KentBusiness.co.uk