THE Wiltshire Show will be making a return this summer, running alongside the Barbury International Horse Trials at Barbury Castle near Swindon.

The event will take place on Sunday, July 11 featuring rural crafts, food exhibitions, cookery, heavy horses, rare breeds plus the latest tractors and farm equipment. There will also be international level show jumping, sheep shearing, sheep dogs and terrier races, plus a host of interactive exhibits showing the best of Wiltshire.

The news comes just months after the West Wiltshire Show had to be cancelled after Wiltshire Council withdrew its funding.

The biannual event in Trowbridge, which had been running since 1989, was previously funded by West Wiltshire District Council. Last year's three-day event, which took place in July, cost £180,000 to stage and made a loss of about £6,000, due to a decrease in sponsorship and the recession. Wiltshire Council made the decision not to fund the three-day Trowbridge event this year.

Minette Batters, chairman of the Wiltshire National Farmers Union and organiser of the Wiltshire County Show, said: “I am delighted to announce that the Wiltshire County Show is back in 2010 for the first time in many years.

“The show’s aim will be portraying the vital role that farming and food production plays in Wiltshire and the wider community.”

The Army will be taking part in the show with a number of exhibits and attractions including an assault course, paintballing and tanks. There are plans to include the Wiltshire-based Black Knights Parachute team who will give a display on the day.

“Agriculture and the Army have historic ties,” added Minette. “We must never forget the lives given to protect our country and we hope to raise a substantial sum of money for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.”

Nigel Bunter, owner of the Barbury Castle Estate, said he was delighted to host the Wiltshire County Show.

He said: “In the six years since we launched the International Horse Trials, it has grown to be one of the UK’s top events with this year the best riders preparing at Barbury for the World Championships in Kentucky, USA, and, of course, the London Olympics in 2012.

“It has always been our aim to grow the event and provide a wider family day out, and we are thrilled to be hosting the Wiltshire County Show in 2010.”

Entrance fee, which will give access to both the horse trials and the county show, will be £15 per person, with children under 12 free.