What are the key ingredients for a successful county show? We check how the Royal Lancashire Show measures up against our top five criteria.

VALUE

Royal Lancashire Show organisers are vocal about their commitment to providing value for money. Parking is free and, according to chairman Colin Mustoe, you should be able to enjoy a fun-filled day without spending any more than the price of an entry ticket. (Apart from an ice cream here or there).

Prices have remained the same as last year, and earlybird online tickets start at £14 for an adult on the Friday, with further discounts for family tickets and seniors. Children under five go free.

ENTERTAINMENT

Plenty of entertainment is undeniably key to a successful show and there will be no chance to get bored at this year’s show. Vistiors to the showground will be able to enjoy the Free Spirit Black Stallion Horse Display, showjumping, heavy horse display, Shetland Pony Grand National, a fishing display, rabbit and goat competitions, livestock displays and competitions, family dog competitions, dog agility demonstrations, giant tortoises you can pet, vintage tractors, ferret display, Thwaites shire horses parade, Hawkeye Falconry, Army display, obstacle course, children's funfair, donkey rides, sheepdog and duck display, town crier competition, beekeeping, dry stone wall display, children’s village, blacksmith display and more.

That should probably be enough to keep everyone happy.

FOOD AND DRINK

A great show should have a wide range of food and drink, from gourmet delights to fuss-free kid’s options.

Lancashire is known as a diverse hotspot for hospitality and a vast number of suppliers will be attending the show, providing food from around the world. There’ll be Indian, Greek and Mexican cuisines to choose from, as well as burgers, hog roast, pizza, baked potatoes and sweet treats. Alongside the catering stands, there’s also the temptingly tasty food tent to explore.

Bowland Brewery will have a selection of home-brewed beers and wines available from their marquee, Whalley Wine shop will have a seating area where you can relax with a drink, and you’ll also find top quality gins and spirits from Lancashire distilleries.

SHOPPING

Show-stopping shopping! If you have some spare cash burning a hole in your pocket, there’ll be plenty to catch your eye. Take home a bag full of goodies from the food tent, choose a carefully created gift from the craft tent, or even get yourself kitted out with a whole new wardrobe in the countryside and lifestyle tents. There’ll be toys, tools, trainers, and even tractors and farm equipment – if that’s what you’re in the market for.

THE WEATHER

The show organisers have been planning this year’s event since the last visitor left the showground last year, but there is one element they can’t control. Rather than being at the mercy of the ‘Great’ British weather though, they have taken steps to ensure the show can go on, whatever the forecast.

Plenty of areas will be under cover, and a £22,000 investment in three-metre-wide aluminium walkways means the showground will remain accessible to all, without becoming too muddy and tough to tackle even in the event of a summer downpour.

As with any outdoor Lancashire event, it’s important to remember there’s no such thing as bad weather – just the wrong sort of clothes. So, remember to pack your suncream and sandals, and your boots and brollies to make the most of a fun-packed day.

* The Royal Lancashire Show will be held at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester from July 21-23. royallancashireshow.co.uk