The Royal Bath & West Show is under 66 days away, so the countdown has officially started. A wide variety of competition categories are now open – it's time to begin preparing entries.

Arts and horticulture competitions

Year after year, the show's art competition entries tell stories through colour, textures and shape. And for visitors with an artistic streak, this year's art exhibition entries are now open.

There are several exciting categories to enter, including sculpture, art, under 18's art, and even a Christmas card competition. The panel of judges, including Trish Scott Bolton, Mark Jerram and Carol Paris, will have the tough task of selecting the winners. Entries need to be in by 22 April.

Floral art entries are now being accepted. This year's competition promises to be a showcase of creativity, with categories ranging from the more traditional 'inspired by nature's beauty' to the more unusual 'inspired by the patisserie'. So, whether competitors are into classic floral arrangements or something a little different, there's a category for everyone.

"The floral art competitions are a fantastic celebration of creativity and nature," says head of shows, Jess Chiplen. "It's always inspiring to see how the artists portray nature's beauty through their work."

Entries for Floral Art close at midnight on 1 May.

The new Royal Bath & West Show app

For tech savvy visitors, there's a new way to plan your visit: The Royal Bath & West app. Set to be released in April, the app will allow visitors to access timetables, create a personalised itinerary, and pin the things they're most interested in seeing. "We're excited to introduce the new app. In today's fast-paced world, where information is just a tap away, we know how important it is to have access to key information, and the app will deliver that," says Ms Chiplen.

The app will also include fun and interactive features like the Family Trail for families to enjoy. With everything you need at the touch of a button, the app is a must-have for showgoers. 

·       Competition entries can be made by visiting www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-west-show/competitions

·       Book tickets here https://www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-west-show/visitors/tickets

The Royal Bath & West Show will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN, from 29 – 31 May.