Final preparations underway for the Bath & West Country Festival

Organisers of The Bath & West Country Festival are putting the finishing touches to the event, which gets underway this Friday (27th).

Running from 27th-29th August, the Festival retains the Main Ring, Main Lawn, Woodland and Countryside Arena, which regular visitors will recognise from the Royal Bath & West Show. New features include Lakeside Farm, which offers interactive farming fun for the family with a Sheep Show and Dog & Duck Show; and Canine Corner, featuring a show from Pawsability, Great British Dogs, and a Fun Dog Show.

Young visitors will be happy to know that Tractor Ted is back again, in his own dedicated Tractor Ted Farm Fun Zone. Tractor Ted's creator, Ally Heard, will be doing some special storytelling sessions, and fans will be able to have their books signed and meet the famous Tractor himself – they can even have a photograph with him.

The ever-popular Food & Drink Hall has relocated to the Showering Pavilion, the largest permanent building on the Showground, and amongst the delicacies available at the food stands in the Hall and on the Main Lawn will be retro and Spanish street food, pizza, curry, and homemade brownies. You will also find The British Cider Championships located nearby.

Roaming performances over the three days include Liver Cottage's comedy chefs Hugh Fearn and Lee Whittingstall, who will be presenting alternative cookery demonstrations from their mobile kitchen garden; whilst 'The Jelly Roll Jazz Band' will be playing 1920s standards and putting their own spin on more modern songs.

The new Greenwood Stage, located at the top of the Showground, will have live music from 2pm until 11pm on Friday & Saturday, and 12pm – 4pm on Sunday. The headline acts are Bath & West favourite The Leylines, (Friday night); the South West's No.1 Blues Brothers tribute band 'Blues Others' (Saturday); and reggae fusion group Irie Fire (Sunday).

For active visitors, the sports village is the place to head to meet representatives from Rugby Tots, Bath Rugby, Panthers Martial Arts Academy, and Channel Events. If this wasn't enough entertainment, thrill-seekers can enjoy the Paul Hannam Stunt Show in the main ring, and with a vintage fairground too, there is something for everyone in the family.

Transport is sorted too, as First Buses will be providing a Shuttle Bus Service all day on Friday and Saturday (8:30am – 6pm), with pick-ups & drop offs in Wells, Shepton Mallet and the Bath & West Showground.

The Bath & West Country Festival takes place on 27th-29th August. Tickets are still available at https://www.bathandwest.com/tickets