The Ashwell Show is returning with horse and dog shows, face painting, Punch and Judy and plenty more on bank holiday Monday.

The Spectacular Knights of the Crusades will be centre stage with their energetic show that’s steeped in history and high in adrenalin, with medieval banners and costumes, pyrotechnics, and audience participation aplenty.

If that’s not enough excitement, the Essex Dog Display Team will also be out in force.

A new addition this year will be the forest school, designed for children of all ages to get a bit closer to nature. There will be a mud kitchen and mud painting.

For older children there will be a chance to make a headdress, clay creatures, stick men or a bow and arrow.

The horse show continues to grow, with more than 100 competitors last time and even more entries this year. The dog show will also be available, with the chance to enter your pooch into the competition.

All the Ashwell Show favourites will be there too, including the birds of prey demonstration, vintage cars, tractors, craft tent, craft demonstrations, and shopping stands.

For families there’s hours of fun with free face painting, free children’s craft tent, children’s entertainer, Punch and Judy Show, mini farm, pony rides, and a reptile tent.

Food stands will include wood-fired pizza, homemade Italian dishes, gourmet toasties, pulled meant and South African street food. Ashwell WI will also be serving up cakes, and there will be a prosecco bar and beer tent.

Ashwell Show chairman John Connolly said: “We’re looking forward to another great show this year, with an exciting line-up of entertainment to satisfy the young and the young at heart.

“The committee has once again put a huge amount of work into organising the day, and we’re looking forward to seeing crowds of people coming along to enjoy themselves and supporting the show.

“Profits from the show get given out to local organisations like Ashwell Primary School, Ashwell Playgroup, and the Scouts, so more attendees means more money for them.”

The Ashwell Show will take place at Elbrook Meadow on Monday, August 27.

Tickets cost £9 for adults, concessions and under 18s are £5 and under 5s go free. For 20 per cent off entry prices, head over to ashwellshow.co.uk.