COUNTRYFILE presenters Matt Baker, Anita Rani, John Craven, Steve Brown, Tom Heap and Ellie Harrison joined chef Brian Turner at Castle Howard last week to launch this year’s BBC Countryfile Live events.

The event, in the grounds of the stately home, will bring the one of the best summer day out to the UK’s biggest county.

This August fans can enjoy two Countryfile Live events, at Blenheim Palace from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4, and at Castle Howard from Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 18.

As part of the event wealth management company Quilter Plc will introduce a new initiative, The Quilter Cheviot Rural Innovation Programme, which will look to seek out the UK’s & Ireland’s most innovative companies or individuals, who are utilising technological and business innovation to help sustain rural communities.

BBC Countryfile has been on air every week since 1988 and Countryfile Live allows visitors to meet the presenters, participate in an array of country related activities in the settings of Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace.

Visitors will also be able to get out on the water by taking a boat ride, jumping on a paddle board or fishing. Other highlights include the National Trust’s 50 Things Woodland, the perfect place for little ones to experience the fun that can be had in the great outdoors.

For foodie fans, the Le Creuset Kitchen Theatre, hosted by Brian Turner, is a must visit. Here they can witness Brian and his celebrity chef friends dishing up some culinary inspiration, before heading off to the food market to pay a visit to one of the event’s many local traders.

Castle Howard’s Big Top offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production and creation of some of the BBC’s best-loved series.

The presenters will have the chance to meet some of the favourite guests who have appeared on Countryfile in the past year. Visitors can also enjoy a drink at the Craven Arms, where John himself will host a daily pub quiz; learn about conservation at the wildlife zone, take in the dog lovers’ arena and witness skills at the Stihl Timbersport British Championships.

For details, go to castlehoward.co.uk/whats-on/countryfilelive