FIRST details have been announced of the line-up of attractions at this year's Suffolk Show, which will mark the 175th anniversary of the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

By Duncan Brodie

Business Editor

FIRST details have been announced of the line-up of attractions at this year's Suffolk Show, which will mark the 175th anniversary of the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

Leading the 2006 programme will be the unveiling of the SAA's new £3.2 million conference and events centre, the celebration of the showground's rebranding as Trinity Park, and the biggest-ever trade stand presence.

The VIP opening of the conference centre - by a guest of honour yet to be confirmed - will mark the start of a significant new phase in the association's history, enabling it to host a wide range of events alongside its core objectives to promote local agriculture and food.

During the Suffolk Show, the new centre will host a major new area, the Suffolk Luxury Lifestyle Pavilion, which will feature 12 of the county's best interior designers, furniture and soft furnishing manufacturers and include sample room layouts and designs.

It will join established themed areas including a Food Hall showcasing local food and drink, Rural Crafts, the Flower Show, a Special Occasions Avenue featuring fashion and gifts, the Children's Farmyard, the Interactive Sports Village, an enhanced Wildlife Area and the Tourism Village.

The entertainment on the middle evening of the show will be the Queen tribute band Mercury, with the day-time programme of attractions including the UK FMX Freestyle Motocross Team, top class Show Jumping and the traditional Grand Parade of livestock, featuring the best entries from the 600-plus classes to be judged at the show. For those who prefer a spot of retail therapy, there will be 800 tradestands to choose from.

Agricultural tradestands will include an extensive selection of farm machinery, implements and ancillary equipment, alongside new technological developments. The theme of this year's Farminanglia demonstration arena will be alternative crop uses, particularly in the biofuels sector, with the display being created in collaboration with Renewables East.

To mark the SAA's 175th anniversary, the show will include a special display featuring photographs and commentary from the show over the years which is being compiled in partnership with the East Anglian Daily Times - which is hosting the exhibition at its stand - and the Suffolk Records Office.

The show takes place as usual during half-term weekend - on Wednesday, May 31 and Thursday, June 1 - and is aiming to match the success of last year's event when the attendance over the two days totalled 93,500.

Discounted tickets are available now from the Trinity Park office, a dedicated ticket line on 01473 707117 or online at www.suffolkshow.co.uk, and will be on sale until Thursday, May 25.

Prices this year are: Adults £15 on the day (£13.50 pre-show); children £6 (£5 pre-show) and senior citizens £12 (£11 pre-show). Car parking on the day is £5 (£4 pre-show). A family ticket covering two adults, two children and car parking is available pre-show only for £35.

SAA members' tickets cost £35 each and allow admission to the showground on both days, free entrance to the Flower Show, together with forward car parking and access to the Ringside Club facilities.