There's something for every member of the family to enjoy when the Marks Hall Garden and Country Show returns next weekend.

From country pursuits to concert bands, food to farm machinery, the biennial show is packed with attractions which will delight crowds.

Held every two years, 2018’s show will once again support three good causes, with 100 per cent of the profits being split between Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, the Rotary Club of Colchester and Marks Hall Trust.

From vintage vehicles to willow weaving, brass bands to an auction, there is a wide range of options available for all ages.

For the first time this year, the weekend’s events will also include a specially-arranged open air service.

Praise in the Garden will be a cross-denominational service led by the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Reverend Stephen Cottrell.

The service will begin at 10.30am on Sunday, July 22.

Looking ahead to the service, Mr Cottrell said: “It is often said that you are closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth. Actually, this isn’t true.

“God is gloriously everywhere, be it a garden or a car park.

“However, the creation in all its profligate beauty does speak of God’s goodness, provision and design.

“Therefore, what better place to gather and worship God than at a garden show. I am looking forward to it.”

Traditional country pursuits are again a key element of the show.

Ye Olde Redtail Falconry Display will be wowing crowds with an interactive display which lets revellers get up close and personal with falcons, a barn owl, Harris hawks and Archie the hooded vulture.

The displays demonstrate the natural abilities of the birds, giving an insight into how they live, fly and hunt in the wild.

Back on the ground, Nigel Oakley of Rede Hall Farm Park will be demonstrating the skills needed to handle the Suffolk Punch horse.

The oldest breed of heavy horse in the country, the Suffolk has been part of the East Anglian agricultural landscape for generations and is renowned for its immense strength and stamina.

The Dog and Duck show, which has featured on BBC’s Countryfile, is an amusing and educational show which will delight the crowds.

During the show, trained and untrained sheepdogs are used to herd ducks, showing how even the most poorly behaved dogs have a natural instinct for herding.

In a silent auction, which will run across the weekend, there will be a chance to bid for nearly 100 lots including everything from fine wines and spirits to meals in local restaurants and tea rooms or trips to big sporting events.

The Marks Hall Garden and Country Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22, from 10am-5pm at the historic country estate in Coggeshall. Adult tickets cost just £10, or £8 if bought in advance online. All children under the age of 15 go free of charge.

More details, including a full timed programme of events, is available at the show’s website.

Visit www.markshallgarden show.co.uk.