FARMING fun will entertain the whole family this weekend as the annual Halesowen and Hagley Country Show returns.

Taking place on Fieldhouse Lane, in Romsley, the Halesowen and Hagley Farmers’ Club event – which attracts thousands of people each year – is back in the village this Sunday (September 17).

Among the raft of attractions are a horse show and jumping, craft stalls, a fun dog show, an ‘Ask the Farmer’ tent, horticultural marquees, a licensed bar, food stalls, static engines, trade and charity stalls, a bouncy castle and cattle and livestock.

In the main ring, entertainment includes Shire and heavy horses, bale wrapping, Hawk Eye falconry display, a side-saddle demonstration and a parade of the Albrighton and Woodland Foxhounds by kind permission of the Joint Master.

There will also be a starring appearance from internet sensation and professional jump jockeys Wocket Woy.

Vicky Taylor, horse show chairman, said: “We have worked very hard on the show this year, pushing the traditional boundaries to create an all new modern country show.

“Due to fantastic sponsors from within the local area we have been able to create and add new classes including show jumping and a specific welsh showing ring, plus many displays and demonstrations.”

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the farmers club, which started in 1946 after a ploughing match, held at Newbrook Farm, Frankley.

The first two shows were held at Manor Lane, Lapal, and competitions included ploughing, hedging, thatching, farm livestock, dressed poultry and eggs, heavy horse turnouts, and cart horses in hand, riding horses, pony classes and jumping.

The show grew every year, with a dog show being added in 1959, but when Halesowen bypass was built in the 1960s, traffic, industry and houses forced farmers to move and the show began being held in Hagley, Clent and Belbroughton.

Vicky said: "Progress has a marked effect on all our lives and club are proud that the organisation and its show has survived over the years with all the ups and downs of the times.

"One of the most significant events over this time was when foot and mouth disease spread across the country in 2001 which resulted in the show being cancelled in that year and subsequently, cancellation of the cattle, sheep and pig classes for future shows."

She added: “Sadly, due to strict movement controls imposed since then it has not been viable to stage livestock competitions on show day.”

In recent years the show has been able to exhibit livestock in a "meet the farmer" area so the public can see the animals close at hand.

In 2011 the show moved to a Sunday to accommodate visitor numbers and the ploughing match held on the Saturday before the main show.

Vicky added: “Since the move to a Sunday the club has been fortunate to have some fantastic sites in the Romsley area, which has brought the show back into the heart of our area and enabled us to increase the horse show significantly and improve the general visitor experience throughout.

“The aim of our club remains the same as in 1946 and the show now has a solid foundation of traditional competitions together with a commitment to educate all on farming and countryside matters.”

For more information about the country show, visit www.halesowenandhagleyfarmersclub.co.uk, or search Halesowen and Hagley Farmers Club on Facebook.