Countryside skills, working traditions and rural life will take centre stage at this year's Royal Bath and West Show, with a packed programme of live demonstrations.

Reflecting this year's theme of 'food, farming and rural life' the countryside arena will showcase a range of land-based skills, from falconry and gundog training to forestry arboriculture and traditional rural crafts. Demonstrations will be delivered by professionals across all three days (28–30 May), giving visitors the opportunity to see authentic countryside practices in action.

At the heart of the arena is long-standing commentator Chris Green, who has been part of the Show since 1990 and plays a key role in bringing the programme to life for visitors. "My job is to introduce the different demonstrators and keep everything upbeat, lively and engaging for the public," he explains. "It's an action-packed programme from around 9:30 through to six o'clock, seamless without a break."

Visitors can expect to see a diverse mix of displays, including working horses, foxhounds and a visit from the Dorset axeman. The programme also celebrates traditional craftsmanship, with woodland-based trades and rural skills forming a key part of the experience.

What's important is that these aren't skills and crafts being preserved in aspic – they form a thriving and vital part of the rural economy, says Chris. For example, within the woodland area, visitors will be able to explore a variety of hands-on demonstrations, from wood carving and fencing to chainsaw work and beekeeping, highlighting the importance and versatility of forestry-based skills.

"People might just see a group of trees as they walk past, but inside there's a whole world of expertise," he adds. "It's fascinating, and it's somewhere visitors really shouldn't miss."

With many visitors coming from non-farming backgrounds, rural skills play an important role in helping to bridge the gap between town and country. "Not all visitors are farmers, so it's all about education," Chris explains. "It's a great opportunity to explain what really happens in the countryside and share those skills with the general public."

Chris will also be doing his own wildfowling demonstrations, giving an insight into one of the countryside's oldest pursuits and its role in both food production and conservation. "Wildfowling is about harvesting your own food and understanding where it comes from," he says. "It's an ancient pursuit and it's closely tied to conservation and managing the countryside properly."

Alongside the educational aspect, the countryside arena promises an engaging and entertaining experience for all ages. "We keep it upbeat, optimistic and fun," he laughs. "There is always something happening, a bit of music, a bit of laughter; you can see as people are leaving that they've enjoyed themselves,"

Demonstrations take place every 30 minutes throughout the day. "It really is an action-packed programme," says Chris. "If you want to learn about the countryside and see it brought to life, this is the place to be."

·       The Royal Bath & West Show will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN, from 28–30 May.

·       Buy tickets at https://www.bathandwest.com/tickets-3