With everything from sheep shearing to showjumping, farming exhibitions to flybys, the Kent County Show is set to see thousands of people coming through the turnstiles today.

The three-day event, one of the biggest in the region’s calendar, will be extra special as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The agricultural extravaganza, which was first established in 1923, will include the usual animal encounters, activities and food stalls but there will also be an educational farming display telling the story of farming over the last century, plus daily aerial displays featuring a vintage bi-plane to mark the special year.

Visitors to the showground, in Detling, near Maidstone, are advised to take extra care as as temperatures are set to reach almost 30 degrees and a yellow heat-health alert has been implemented across Kent for the three days covering the event.

The outdoor family festival, which showcases the best of local agriculture, produce and farming, will see the return of trade stands from in and around Kent, including artisan food and drink stalls and retro items in the Vintage Village.

There will also be plenty of fun activities such as the Royal Army climbing wall, Rochester Bridge Trust’s crazy golf course, Kent Scout’s pedal go-karts and Hadlow College’s tractor simulator.

There are also a number of workshops on offer, including pizza-making, flower-arranging, cooking classes and sheep-shearing.

For many visitors, the animals are the real stars of the show, and this year’s programme includes firm favourites such as horses, sheep, alpacas, and miniature ponies.

The Shetland Pony Grand National is this year’s star attraction. With jockeys aged between 8 and 13 years old, and ponies no bigger than 40 inches tall, they will rade each day in the Astor Ring.

There will also be performances including dog agility, showjumping, a bird of prey display and the livestock ‘best in show’ parade. Families can also marvel at the rare breeds in the Animal Zone.

Duke, the magical unicorn, will also be making a return to Equine Village this year, while the Mole Show is a light-hearted look at man’s plight to battle with the pesky diggers.

The animals aren’t the only things worth watching during the show.

There will also be a vintage vehicle and tractor display, miniature gardens, Saxon re-enactments, bike stunts, Morris dancers and a traditional fairground.

And live music can be found in the bandstand in the Village Green. On Friday, see Rock Choir and The Klicks performing. On Saturday watch Mamma’s Funkin’ Skunks and the Ruby Sisterz, and on Sunday Marylebone Jelly and Argyle will be closing the show.

The Kent County Show takes place at the Kent Showground from Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 9. Book tickets online here.

Adult tickets cost £22 when booked in advance and £24 on the day.

Show organisers have stressed that there will be no road closures on the A249, where long-term roadworks have been taking place at the Stockbury Roundabout.

Parking is free, but an easier way to travel could be by bus.

Nu Venture is laying on a special show service, the X33, which will leave from opposite Maidstone East railway station each day at 9.15am, 10.30am and 11.45am, and also picking up from King Street in Maidstone at 9.20am, 10.35am and 11.50am.

The return service departs from the showground at 3pm, 4.30pm and 6.15pm.

The fare is £5 for adults, each way. Children under 14 go free.