Families have been urged to snap up the last remaining tickets for this week's Norfolk Spring Fling – which promises to be 'bigger than ever before' in its 20th anniversary year.
The annual Easter celebration of food and farming returns to the Norfolk Showground on Thursday April 11, and organisers said a limited number of tickets are still available online.
The event was first held in April 2000 and, two decades later, it has grown into a regular sell-out which welcomes more than 6,000 visitors and features over 70 stands, with activities including animal shows, tractor rides, science and craft activities – all aiming to connect children with the county's agricultural heritage.
Tony Bellinger, education manager for the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, which works with event organisers at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), said: 'The Norfolk Spring Fling has grown in recent years and 2019 will be no different. Visitors will enjoy bigger zones, more activities, more space and a greater array of food and drink options including a farmers' market and improved picnic areas. '
Visitors to this year's Norfolk Spring Fling can enjoy seven different zones – The Machinery Zone, Mr Mawkin's Farm, Countryside Arena, Plant and Grow Zone, Hands-on Learning, Heavy Horses and Emergency Services Zone.
Event attractions include rare breeds, lamb feeding, fly-fishing, bird of prey shows, exotic animals, scientific experiments, horse braiding, animal handling, rescue demonstrations, sausage and ice cream making, tractor and trailer rides, storytelling, sheep dog displays and the ever-popular dancing sheep in the Sheep Show.
READ MORE: Thousands enjoy 2018 Spring Fling at Norfolk Showground
New for 2019 will be a farmers' market selling everything from pastries to popcorn, with exhibitors showcasing a wide range of local produce.
Greg Smith, chief executive of the RNAA, said: 'The Norfolk Spring Fling has become a family staple in Norfolk's Easter calendar, but we're seeing more and more visitors coming from outside the county as a result of its growing popularity.
'It was the first event of its kind in the UK and started a movement, now joined by many other agricultural associations who are all passionate, as we are, about promoting food, farming and the countryside.
'None of this would have been possible though without the inspiration of the founders and the support and help of hundreds of volunteers over the past 20 years. Farmers, food producers, conservation and environmental bodies, charities, scientists and biologists and many others have lent their precious time to the event, with the single aim of creating a unique fun, learning, experience for all.'
Mr Smith added that the RNAA was grateful for the support of sponsors including the Felix Cobbold Trust, The Clan Trust, Chadacre Agricultural Trust and G W Daniels and Sons.
• The Norfolk Spring Fling is open from 9.30am–4.30pm on Thursday April 11. Ticket prices have been frozen at £9.50 and can only be bought in advance online from the Spring Fling website.
Children aged two and under can enter for free, but 'under-two' tickets must be downloaded when purchasing full-price tickets. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
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