THOUSANDS of people are today gearing up for what is set to be one of the biggest country shows in Romsey.

The Broadlands Estate will be the setting for the inaugural Broadlands County Show today and tomorrow which will see two spectacular shows each day.

Months after the iconic Spitfire flew over Southampton, marking the incredible flight of the aircraft which first flew 80 years ago, the plane will be flying again today and tomorrow.

Subject to cloud cover, the show will see a 1944 Mark 9 Spitfire perform numerous daredevil manoeuvres over the market town in two 15-minute displays on each day.

The show will also see scores of events taking place throughout both day with more than 200 exhibition stands, a crammed Main Arena schedule, and more.

Europe’s number one stunt and trick riding team, The Devil’s Horsemen will also be showing off their skills in the saddle on the main arena.

With film and TV accolades such as Game of Thrones, Dr Who and Downton Abbey, The Devil’s Horsemen are set to perform breathtaking displays to entertain the whole family.

There will also be a comprehensive have-a-go itinerary including gundog handling, clay shooting, survival camp, field archery, air guns, fishing, falconry and ferreting.

The show will also offer picnic areas, children’s entertainment, a food festival, a craft and antiques fairs and live folk music.

Opening times for the show are 8.30am to 6pm, last entry is at 3.30pm.

Motorists and visitors to the town centre are warned to expect delays in the Broadlands Estate area as hundreds of people make their way from across Hampshire to the event.

Visitors to the show can also look forward seeing gundog handling, clay shooting, survival camp, field archery, air guns, fishing, falconry and ferreting.

Romsey’s town mayor, Dorothy Baverstock, has previsouly said it was “excellent news”.

“How brilliant!” she said. “I think that’s brilliant. I can’t remember the last time it flew over Romsey. That’s brilliant, what a good attraction. I’m thrilled.

“From Romsey’s point of view we’re getting two for the price of one: the Spitfire and the country show.”

Designed by the legendary R J Mitchell the Spitfire was built at the Supermarine factory in Southampton, and played a crucial role in winning the Battle of Britain.

Not one but two flights commemorated the day the original aircraft took to the skies for the first time on March 5 1936.

For further details and tickets to the show and prices, visit broadlandscountryshow.co.uk.

Timetable for the Main Arena (same on each day)

10am Music and opening

10.30am Rabbit catcher Brian Brinded

11am Hunter-gatherer Chris Green

11.30am Essex Dog Display Team

12.15pm The Devils Horsemen display team

1pm Spitfire Aerial Display

2pm Rabbit catcher Brian Brinded

2.30pm Hunter-gatherer Chris Green

2.30pm Simulated Coursing

3pm Essex Dog Display Team

3.45pm The Devils Horsemen

4.30pm Spitfire Aerial Display

5pm Music and close

Opening times for the show are 8.30am to 6pm, last entry is at 3.30pm.