ABOUT 12,000 visitors are set to celebrate everything farming and the great outdoors as the countdown to this year’s Countryside Live begins.

The event will take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on October 19 to 20 and promises plenty of family fun and activities.

Special guests Peter Wright and Julian Norton from TV’s The Yorkshire Vet will be meeting fans and signing their latest books.

Julia Bradbury, former Countryfile presenter, will be on the main stage twice a day to talk about her passion for the outdoors and fans can meet Julia afterwards in a meet and greet area.

Julia said: “I cannot wait to meet the public and spend the weekend at my first-ever Countryside Live celebrating my biggest passion - the outdoors.

“I look forward to meeting you on my travels around the show, on the mainstage, or our stand, The Outdoor Guide, and, of course, I will have to pay a visit to The Tipsy Heifer Pub later in the day.”

New for this year are mini tractor rides, a ninja assault course, magic wand making and interactive experiences, with velodrome cycling and helicopter flying.

There is also the climbing wall, mini Fodder experience, sausage roll making, dancing sheep and Diggerland.

As well as family activities, there are 2,000 animals flocking to the showground over the two days to compete.

From horses to honey, pigeons to poultry, sheep to cattle, there are competitions and classes throughout the weekend.

Show director Charles Mills said: “We have an exciting programme of events this year with new activities for children and some very special guests taking to the main stage and the Tipsy Heifer Pub.

“We have a new look animal barn with everything from cattle competitions to alpacas, don’t miss this terrific celebration of farming and the outdoors.

“We look forward to welcoming you.”

Members of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society are entitled to free entry, on production of their membership card.

For pre-booked tickets and information, visit countrysidelive.co.uk/#tickets