WITH nearly three weeks until The Romsey Show, the celebrations are about to begin with members and non-members invited to a 175th anniversary evening.

The south’s largest one-day agricultural extravaganza, The Romsey Show started in 1842 and will take place at the historic Broadlands Estate on September 9.

To kick off the anniversary festivities, everyone’s invited to an evening of entertainment at a ‘picnic in a tent’ event at the Showground on Saturday, September 2.

Organised by the Show Society and Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS), local entertainer and raconteur Mark Ponsford will lead the old-style music hall soiree.

People are invited to bring their own food and drink at 5.30pm for 6pm, with tables and chairs provided and a prize for the best dressed table. Children over 12 are welcome and tickets cost £8 for Show Society members, or £12 for guests/non-members.

Bookings must be made in advance by contacting the Show Office on 01794 517521.

The Romsey Show will this year feature over 1,000 animals being shown, 500 retail stands and a food zone with the region’s top chefs demonstrating recipes in a cookery theatre. Around 30,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the day out.

Tickets are now on sale at: www.romseyshow.co.uk