Dates for the diary; ADVERTISING FEATURE.

OUR summer agricultural shows form a seasonal staple for the whole family. Here are the key dates for your diary!

. Eglwysbach Show - Saturday, August 8. This sleepy community, deep in the Hiraethlyn valley, and one mile beyond Bodnant Gardens, will be turned into a major attraction with the 62nd annual Eglwysbach Agricultural and Horticultural Show.

With hundreds of exhibitors, each vying for the accolade of Best in Show, visitors will be able to enjoy the event's shire horses, numerous breeds of cattle and sheep - including rare breeds.

Stars of the Light Horse Section include our versatile Welsh ponies and cobs, along with Arabs, Shetlands and veterans.

Driving and Ridden classes, including Working Hunter Pony and children's fancy dress, are other highlights.

Visit the 'big tent' and marvel at flowers, fruit and vegetables of amazing perfection. Cakes, jams and other delicacies can also be admired here. Refreshments are served at several outlets on the showground, including the WI tent, and there is a licensed bar.

Eglwysbach has always involved its children, many of whom are competing with drawings, handicrafts, photography and cooked items. What's more, there is an exciting fun fair everyone can enjoy.

Eglwysbach Show extends through the village to the school, where visitors can see an Art Exhibition and sale featuring more than 300 works of art.

Back on the showground, over 60 stalls will be offering a multitude of items for sale or to be won - including a pig!

Judging in several classes begins at 9.30am, with everything culminating in the Grand Parade at 4pm. The Show is signposted off the A470, and there is plenty of free parking.

. Anglesey County Show - Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12.

Regarded as one of Wales' foremost summer events, Anglesey County Show is a feast of exhibitions, shows and entertainment which has highlighted the best of the island's agricultural, cultural and social life for more than a century.

Boasting livestock and equestrian classes, international show jumping competitions, a Country Pursuits Arena and entertainment with a capital 'E', Anglesey Show is a must-see.

Major family attractions for this year are The Mega Minis Stunt Show, timetabled for both days, and, on the Tuesday only, The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team.

Also not to be missed are the heavy horse turnouts, the Anglesey Hawks and Owls Display, the Grand Parade of Prizewinners, and Anglesey Vintage Machinery Parade. What's more, there is an Entertainments Marquee dedicated to the purpose, with a full programme of events planned.

Check out the Anglesey Show Ambassador Competition, the popular fashion show, the Youth Music Workshop, musical bands for everyone, a mesmerising magician, creative face painting for teenies, plus entertainment courtesy of Anglesey Young Farmers' Club.

Hundreds of trade stands, a huge retail area and arcade, plus exhibition stands representing the region's charities, associations, societies and educational establishments have 'life on Anglesey' well and truly covered.

With myriad opportunities for retail therapy on a giant scale, Anglesey Show offers the chance to buy just about everything, from a tractor to a potted plant for the garden.

Public gates open at 8am on both days.

. This year's Eglwysbach Show will feature a vast array of cattle, sheep and horses

CAPTION(S):

Welsh Cob stallion Pentrefelin Jake is put through his paces at last year's Eglwysbach Show