Suffolk will be showcasing the best of its local food and drink, countryside crafts and skills and rural businesses as the English National Sheepdog Trials arrive in the county for the first time in their 100-plus years’ history.

East Anglian Daily Times: Organiser of the sheep dogs at work trials, Bob Wilden, with his dog Sam. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNOrganiser of the sheep dogs at work trials, Bob Wilden, with his dog Sam. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Suffolk on Show will be a feature of the major three-day event at Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, which takes place from July 28 to ­30.

“The events give visitors the opportunity to watch the very best of working sheepdogs, in the magnificent setting of Haughley Park, and to enjoy a wonderful family day out,” said organiser Bob Wilden, chairman of the East Anglian Sheepdog Society (EaSS) and owner of The Woolroom East Anglia.

As well as being able to see England’s top 150 sheepdogs and their handlers, with demonstrations of dogs working in pairs. information on the trials, and advice on dog training and behaviour, visitors from all over the country will get a taste of Suffolk.

Celebrated Suffolk producers will be encouraging visitors to sample their wares including Alder Tree ice cream, Stokes Sauces, the Suffolk Coffee Company, Casa de l’Oli, DJ Wines from Monk Soham, The Lamb Charcuterie Company, and Walking Wok.

The Suffolk Baa, run by Complete Event, features Calvors fine craft lagers and ales from Coddenham, Adnams ales from Southwold, Aspall Cider from Debenham, and fruit liqueurs from DJ Wines. and include a specially-created Suffolk Summer Punch.

The arts and crafts marquee includes demonstrations and exhibitions from wildlife artists, an artist blacksmith, feltmaker, woodturner, knife maker, landscape photographer, and jewellers and quilters. The Museum of East Anglian Life, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is showing archive footage alongside period enactments, and Vikings from the Woodbridge Riverside Trust are travelling with their replica longship. Visitors can mint their own coins and grind their own corn. Traditional farm animals, including the Suffolk Trinity of Suffolk Sheep, Red Poll cattle and Suffolk horses, will be in attendance. For tickets, £10 online, go to www. suffolkonshow.co.uk.