More than 250 competitors are expected at the 2024 British National Ploughing Championships, and country festival, on the Thoresby Estate, near Ollerton, on 12th and 13th October.

In the 73-year history of the event, this will be only the third time it has been held in Nottinghamshire.

From magnificent heavy horses through to steam ploughing engines, vintage tractors, and right up to modern-day equipment, farming heritage will be celebrated.

There will be trade stands, shopping stalls, and a craft marquee, and to get around the 230-acre site, there will be tractors and trailer rides.

Horse lovers will enjoy seeing  horses working – there are 19 pairs entered on the first day and 16 on the second.  There will be various breeds at work with some kitted out in all their finery, others as they would have worked on a farm back in the day.

Steam enthusiasts can see giant ploughing engines pulling a plough by cable between them, with four Fowler BB1 engines from the early part of the 20th Century.  Lovers of vintage tractors will be able to see all the old tractors working and static displays too.

The Supreme Championship trophy will be awarded on the second day with some of the champions seeking a place to represent their country in the 2025 World or European Ploughing Championships.  The international events are traditionally held in a different country each year and the Europeans will be hosted by England in the spring, also in Nottinghamshire.

The Society of Ploughmen, which organises the event, is a registered charity and chief executive Sue Frith said: “Whatever your age, there is something here that will be of interest to everyone.  It’s an amazing event which has such a lovely atmosphere, bringing people together from both urban and rural communities.  We are delighted to be back in Nottinghamshire and are hoping the weather will stay fine for us – but if it doesn’t just bring your boots, or buy some while you’re there!”

Main sponsors of the championships are Bridgestone Firestone and further support has been given by A R Demolition, Aztec Oils, Cheffins, Dales Agri Sales Agency, Friends of Ferguson Heritage, HME, Homefire, JCB, Northfield Fencing, Ripon Farm Services and Russells.

Admission is £15 per person on the day and £2 for children. Discounted ticket are available in advance online. Further information is at www.ploughmen.co.uk or from the Society of Ploughmen on  01302 852469, Facebook or Twitter.

The championships start with a traditional dedication and blessing of the plough service on Friday, 11th October at 7.30pm at Perlethorpe Parish Church