ONE of the biggest and most-anticipated events in East Anglia's social calendar will get under way this morning after a day of final preparations.Around 85,000 people are expected to descend on the Suffolk Show in Ipswich today and tomorrow to enjoy an extravaganza of all things agriculture – as well as a host of other attractions.

ONE of the biggest and most-anticipated events in East Anglia's social calendar will get under way this morning after a day of final preparations.

Around 85,000 people are expected to descend on the Suffolk Show in Ipswich today and tomorrow to enjoy an extravaganza of all things agriculture - as well as a host of other attractions.

David Barker, senior show steward, said there would be something for everyone.

He said: "We have 101 things going on. A huge theme for us this year is promoting local food and the food hall has about 20 new stands promoting home grown produce, and there will be a cooking demonstration as well.

"We also have a fantastic flower show and a conservation area with all sorts of interesting things and a pond with millions of tadpoles. Among the attractions in the rings will be terrier racing and we have 10 heavy horse teams competing.

"Last year we attracted 89,000 people during the two days, this year we expect 85,000 over the two days and it may well be many more. But it's not about targets, it's about putting on a quality show for people to enjoy."

Show-goers can expect a dry start to the day but by the end of the morning EADT weatherman Ken Blowers said there would be a strong wind and cloud. There could be rain in the afternoon.

Tomorrow the cloud will continue but it will be a lot warmer and should remain dry for the whole day.

This year's show, which as usual is being held at Suffolk Showground, has so many cattle that new temporary accommodation has had to be organised.

There are also water buffalo for the first time and more sheep and pigs as organisers say the farming community is back to normal after the foot and mouth outbreak.

There will be many trade stands and one of the popular attractions will be the East Anglian Daily Times, EADT Suffolk, Evening Star and Let's Talk hosting their popular tea marquee with a Suffolk and Proud theme.

Located at stand 437, situated close to the picnic area, the marquee offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the show, and a welcome opportunity to rest weary feet, relax, listen to music provided by Tyler and Kemp, and catch up on the day's news.

The Suffolk College catering department will be serving morning coffee and afternoon teas and light lunches will be available between noon and 1.45pm.

There will be chocolate-based demonstrations from the award winning Suffolk College team and Stena Line, sponsors of our Suffolk and Proud campaign, will be on hand with a traditional clog maker and advice on travelling to Holland and beyond.

Police have warned visitors to this year's show to be patient as they brace themselves for possible long delays with the sheer volume of traffic as thousands of people flock to the event likely to cause congestion. However they stress that every effort is made to ensure that drivers can get to the event with minimal problems.

n Photographers will be out and about at the showground and pictures will be available to view at our website www.eadt.co.uk or www.eveningstar.co.uk from Monday, June 6.