Scotland's flagship agricultural event returns next week for a four-day celebration of the very best in food, farming and rural life – and will this year be packed with new features and, of course, it will be on a global stage for the Golden Shears, shearing's world championship.

Of course, the stars of the show are the animals and there will be more than 5,000 of the UK's finest animals competing over the four days. That massive total includes 1,044 cattle, 2,089 sheep, 2,087 horses and ponies, and 140 goats.

Famous for the Clydesdale horse parade and the thundering hooves of the impressive trappings of the cart classes, for the light legged horse lover, there are many showing classes, plus 57 Horse of the Year qualifiers taking place.

Alongside the livestock and equine classes, there will be many other competitions to witness. New for this year, the Scottish dairy produce championships display will be situated in the Food for Thought Theatre.

Step inside the Handcraft Marquee and witness some of Scotland’s finest handcrafts with this year’s competition theme being ‘Rainbow’. The Honey Marquee, located in the Countryside Area, is another interesting area not to be missed, hosting a range of honey and bee related competitions.

But perhaps the jewel in the crown for this year's event, will be the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships Competitors from 30 countries around the world, including New Zealand, South Africa and Chile, will battle it out on the stage to claim the championship – this thrilling display of skill is a must-watch on the Saturday and Sunday of the show.

If you have some bored children, then set them the task of tracking down the ‘Flock to the Show’ decorated sheep which will see 38 hand-painted fibreglass sheep dotted around the showground. A flock 'round-up', starts at the Macklin Motors stand in the Lifestyle Area and gives clues to where the rest of the sheep might be hiding.

This colourful flock will be auctioned off in September this year to raise funds for the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) Bicentennial Fund. The bidding process will be launched at this year’s Royal Highland Show, so make sure if you want to purchase one of the Flock you keep a look out for more information – register your interest at royalhighlandshow.org/flock-to-the-show/

The new Agri Innovation Arena, located within the Agricultural Zone, will showcase some of the newest and most innovative products and machinery close up, with live demos and industry talks from leaders across all sectors of the agricultural industry.

For food lovers, attractions range from the tasty delights of Scotland’s Larder food area to the huge range of takeaway options throughout the showground. The show’s 'Food Charter' ensures that only locally produced and ethically sourced food is served at the event.

The Royal Highland Hoolie, hosted in partnership with Farmer’s Bash, will take place over two nights. This addition to evening entertainment this year takes place on the Friday and Saturday evenings of the show, featuring some of Scotland and Ireland’s best home-grown music talent. Skippinish, Derek Ryan, Skerryvore and Lisa McHugh feature in the line-up. Tickets for the Hoolie can only be purchased by those already attending the Royal Highland Show who have purchased a ticket for those days and is only for those aged 12 and over, while under 18s must be accompanied by an adult over 21.

Like last year, all tickets –including car parking tickets – must be pre-purchased online, with no tickets available to buy on the gate. Tickets are limited in number and with Friday and Saturday selling out in 2022 and the last few remaining for this year for those days.

For further information and to purchase tickets visit royalhighlandshow.org