Stithians Show has kicked off at the showground today, with stiff competition in the many classes for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and horticulture.

The show began in 1834 in a field near the Parish Church, and is thought to have been a challenge between local farmers as to who could exhibit the best quality of produce.

Today, now on its own showground just on the outskirts of the village, the event welcomes up to 20,000 visitors, with the show still having agriculture at the heart of the event.

Traditionally the show is held on the Monday in July immediately following the Feast of St. Stythians, the Patron Saint of the Parish. Never earlier than 11th July or later than 17th, this year the show will be held on Monday, July 14.

Renowned for its family atmosphere, the event is a traditional agricultural show with a wide range of exhibits.

There will be stiff competition in many classes for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and horticulture, accompanied by arts, crafts and cookery, cage birds, cavies, dogs and dog agility, pigeons, rabbits and also classes for YFC members.

Horses have 51 showing classes, which include new classes for miniature horses; retraining of Racehorses (novice) and working show horses, plus the horse breeding section, open driving class and five British show jumping classes, which includes the popular accumulator.

For those wishing to remember days gone by, a good place to visit will be the steam and vintage area, where you will find traction engines of various types, commercial vehicles, vintage and classic cars, stationary engines, tractors and motorbikes of yesteryear.

Countryside, supported by Cornish Mutual, is well worth visiting for displays and demonstrations – thatching, hedging, wood carving and turning, spinning and weaving, plus the blacksmiths.

Shopping opportunities abound, with The Taste of Cornwall marquee, supported by Hine Downing Solicitors and Briants Accountants,giving visitors the chance to try some of the finest produce from Cornwall.

Outside you can buy almost everything from a sunhat to an umbrella, a new car to agricultural equipment, and most things in between, as well as being tempted in the two craft areas.

Entertainment will take place throughout the day, both by St Stythians Band and other local performers. The band start the day by accompanying the officials on their parade from the entrance down to the flagpole, where the show is opened and the Cornish flag of St Piran and the Union flag are raised.

The day ends with an evening concert by the Band and Stithians Ladies Choir, chaired by Bruce Taylor, Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival Chairman.

For more information visit www.stithiansshow.org.uk or call 01209 861073.