Hopes are high for a bumper Suffolk Show year, with preparations ahead of schedule and soaring weekend temperatures in the run-up to the two-day event next week.

Logistics boss Bee Kemball, who is at the helm as show director for the first time this year, said they had so far been lucky with the weather in the build-up to the event, which takes place on Wednesday, May 31 and Thursday, June 1, as it meant the showground at Trinity Park, Ipswich, was in tip-top shape.

“The showground just looks amazing,” she said. “The forecast looks great for next week so we are hoping we’ll have perfect show weather.”

The weather was predicted to be fine next week, but not as hot as over the weekend, which should make for near-perfect show conditions.

Although show-goers turn out in force whatever the weather, it did have an impact, she admitted.

“It’s important. Lots of people will come regardless of the weather but when the weather’s kind for you, I think everyone can enjoy the day in a more relaxed way,” she said.

Some of her highlights at the two-day event would be the Shetland Pony Grand National - in which Rocco Dettori, son of Newmarket jockey Frankie, is set to compete - and the fast and furious terrier racing, which she described as among her “absolute favourites”.

Displays by Atkinson Action Horses, the equine stars of the BBC’s Poldark, would also be a major draw, she predicted, along with a large display of coaching teams with horses, with one coming from as far as Italy, ridden heavy horses, and the ever-popular mascot race, featuring teams drawn from companies and organisations across the region. Sheep dog and duck displays and the inter-hunt relay are also popular attractions.

They were “watering the rings like mad” to ensure the going was good on the day, she added.

She was full of praise for the show team. “There’s a huge team spirit,” she said.

Everyone had been affected by the horror of the Manchester Arena bombing, but was determined to carry on, she said.

“I think it just makes everyone here more determined it’s not going to affect our lifestyle,” she said.

For tickets to the show, visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk or call the show hotline on 01473 707117.