THE cream of the county's agriculture, horticulture and crafts will converge on Astley Park again this month for the Royal Lancashire Show.

The three-day event, starting on Friday, July 26, will transform the peace and tranquillity of the park into a huge showcase of human talents from flower arranging to dry stone walling, and animal excellence with top horse, cattle, pig and sheep breeders putting on a top class display.

Weather always plays an important part in events like the royal show and organisers this year are hoping for sunshine and not showers.

And, as the day of the official publicity launch was St Swithin's Day and the weather was glorious, the committee is confident that the 40 days of sunshine which are now supposed to follow will ensure maximum support for the show.

Entries are up again on last year with more than 9,000 different entries in the varied classes and sections.

And visitors can expect to see all the usual attractions as well as some new additions.

A ladies committee has been re-formed and the official ladies' day on Friday could bring an air of Royal Ascot to Astley.

There is also going to be a special ladies' marquee with fashion shows and a best-dressed lady competition, as well as ladies' show jumping competitions and a flower arranging demonstration.

Also new to this year's show will be a honey and mead-making section and cheese competition.

The organisers have also been working hard to make access easier for the disabled at the 1996 show and a special car park has been designated with a regular bus service which will carry passengers and wheelchairs right to the show ground.

Music and entertainment will be coming this year from the Waterloo Regional Police Service Band from Canada and the Royal Signals White Helmets, the oldest and best know motorbike display team in the world.

The show runs on July 26, 27 and 28.

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