Cornwall’s largest one-day agricultural show returns today (Monday) and there’s an action packed day ahead.

With displays and demonstrations, animals, fairground rides, vintage vehicles, food and crafts, there will also be trade stands, local producers and live music attending the thousands of visitors.

Here’s all you need to know about Stithians Show 2024.

Opening ceremony

St Stythians Band will start show day with their traditional 10am march down from the main gate to the flagpoles proudly followed by the Stithians Show Association’s officers and members to mark the official opening.

This will be followed by the raising of the show flag and words from the show president before the singing of the National Anthem and Trelawny.

They will then take their position in the bandstand, where they will entertain visitors with tunes throughout the day until 4.30pm.

Exhibition ring

With entertainment for all ages, take advantage of the seating around the ring to rest whilst being entertained by the birds of prey, Cornish wrestling and Cornwall Shinty Club.

In addition the show has a very large horse show utilising four rings with both showing and jumping classes.

Competitive areas

Everything from arts, craft and cookery to the fiercely competitive horticulture section, there are also many animal competitions ranging from cage birds and pigeons to cattle, via cavies, dogs and dog agility, goats, poultry, sheep and pigs, which are new for 2024.

There is also a YFC section and nearby the Cornwall Federation of Women's' Institutes tent.

Music

New and established musicians will be performing on three stages: The Bandstand, Busker's Square and the Main Stage.

Steam and vintage

The historic vehicle and stationary engine displays will include commercial vehicles, historic vehicles, stationary engines, steam engines, tractors and motorcycles.

These exhibitions can be found by exiting the main trade stand field by the gate next to the fairground.

For little ones

The show’s Sunflower Trail takes younger visitors - and the not quite so young - on an adventure around the showground, hunting for giant wooden sunflowers and collecting stamps along the way, while getting hands-on with a range of informative and inspiring activities.

Everyone is welcome to take part. Just collect a map from near the catalogue sales points at the entrances and test your map reading skills to guide you around the showground.

Once you’ve collected all the stamps visit the secretary’s office to be awarded a rosette.

Evening concert

Celebrate the end of show day at the traditional evening concert hosted in the Farmer's Kitchen marquee.

This year’s concert will feature Mousehole Male Voice Choir, under the direction of Stephen Lawry, and St Stythians Band, under the direction of James Burns.

Compered by Andy Christophers, the concert will begin at 8pm. Entry is £10 payable on the door and cash is preferred but card facilities will be available.

Essential information

Opening times

The car park opens at 7am, with gates opening at 8am. The show officially closes at 6pm.

Pricing

This year entry costs £16.50 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 16. Under fives are free. A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £38.

After 3pm admission is half price and after 4pm it is free. Credit and debit cards are now accepted as well as cash.

Parking

Organisers have said: “Some queuing is almost inevitable as you approach or leave the showground, especially at peak times, and you are asked to be patient.

“Please follow the instructions of the car park operatives as they are there to get everyone parked and out as easily and quickly as possible.

“It may be necessary for some cars to be parked in overflow car parks but these are close to the main showground entrances.”

Normal parking is free but the ringside parking area is chargeable (£20 per car plus normal admission charges) and on a first come, first served basis.

The car parks are designated as red and green and any passes issued will reflect this. For those without passes enter the first car park you arrive at in order to return by the route on which you came.

Public transport

The number 36 bus will take visitors directly to the showground.