Budget-friendly activities to enjoy at this year’s Suffolk Show at Trinity Park, Ipswich

A much-anticipated county show celebrating the area’s heritage, culture and industry has returned to Suffolk for another year.

Gates to the Suffolk Show at Trinity Park, in Ipswich, are set to open at 7am today and visitors will have a chance to enjoy musical performances, livestock displays and have-a-go-at sports.

This year’s two-day event will be extra special, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, with a dedicated display of local wartime history and a parade to honour servicemen and women from the area.

With plenty to do over the two days, organisers have released a list of free activities for families to enjoy.

Here are some budget-friendly highlights:

Emergency Zone

The little ones will have a chance to climb aboard a Suffolk Fire and Rescue fire engine or an RNLI lifeboat in the Emergency Zone - and ask the dedicated teams about their day-to-day jobs.

There will also be opportunities to meet the police dogs, explore police cars and learn CPR with East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Sports Village

The Sports Village Zone – sponsored by First Bus – will host a range of sports organisations at this year’s Suffolk Show.

From learning to play American football to tackling the mini assault course, there will be plenty of activities to keep the little ones active.

Other sports include fencing, kayaking and cycling.

Farm Discovery Zone

Here children can pet the sheep, ponies and goats as well as drive a mini digger and have a go at a tractor simulator.

The little ones can also enjoy a cookery workshop by learning how to make a savoury bake or try their luck at making sausages.

Wildlife Zone

For a moment of calm, head to the Wildlife Zone for pond dipping. There you can also build a bug hotel

These are just some of the fun activities spread across the 300-acre site. For a full list, click here.

Families are welcome to bring their own picnic, which can be enjoyed in designated catering areas – including Adnams Beach Eats complete with beach huts and sand.

Ipswich Town Football Club will also be present, celebrating their first foray into the Premier League in 22 years.

This year, discounted tickets are priced at £36.50 for adults and £15 for those aged 15 to 18. Children under 15 can enter for free.

Ipswich Buses will provide a shuttle bus to and from the showground from the town centre.

Parking for the event is free.