The 130th Devon County Show begins on Thursday at Westpoint Arena and Showground, with organisers hoping the three-day agricultural event will draw more people than last year's attendance of more than 100,000 visitors. Martin Clunes is set to officially open the Heavy Horse Festival at 10:00 BST on Thursday, as the show mixes livestock, trade stands and family attractions.

Among the newer crowd-pullers is a tree hugging activity led by garden designer and grower Kenny Raybould, who says it is designed to slow people down, deepen their breathing and restore the simple pleasure of being close to nature. He said the aim was “to make sure everyone, including the tree can enjoy the moment,” adding that tree hugging should feel good for people and for the tree, and that it is “all about connection, care and leaving the tree as happy, if not happier, than we found it.” Soft matting will protect the roots, and the Show says a seven-second hug is recommended for the full effect.

The Family Fun Zone is also getting a new draw with the Pygmy Goat Playground, a purpose-built activity area that showcases adult and kid pygmy goats and is intended to help visitors connect with animals in a safe and memorable way. Visitors will be able to talk to handlers and learn more about pygmy goat care, behaviour and the growing popularity of small livestock. Lisa Moore said the attractions capture “the spirit of the Show - fun, hands-on and full of rural charm,” and that they offer families “the chance to connect with animals in a safe, engaging and memorable way.” The Alpaca Café is returning too, and visitors will be able to feed the animals there.

That mix of tradition and novelty is what the Devon County Show is banking on as it marks its 130th anniversary. The event remains a familiar fixture of the county calendar, built around livestock competitions and trade stands, but this year it is leaning harder than ever into experiences that invite visitors to get close to the animals and the landscape rather than just watch from the side.

The question is not whether the show has preserved its agricultural core; it has. The test this week is whether the added family attractions, from the goat playground to the tree-hugging session and the returning Alpaca Café, help push turnout beyond last year's strong crowd and give the anniversary edition the busiest finish in years.