Hay, hoe, let's go! Countryfile presenters launch first ever BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace

BBC Countryfile Live takes place from 4th-7th August 2016 at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Full show information and tickets are available now from www.countryfilelive.com

Monday 18th April 2016: Presenters from the BBC's Countryfile climbed into a sixteen foot “haystack” this week at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, to launch the first ever Countryfile Live which is set to bring the best of the Great British countryside to the stunning stately home and grounds from 4th-7th August 2016.

Matt Baker, John Craven, Adam Henson, Anita Rani, Ellie Harrison and Tom Heap were all out in force to launch Countryfile Live which is set to be one of the country's biggest outdoor events.

2016 has seen Countryfile reach its highest ever ratings of 8.7 million viewers, making it the most popular programme on British television and affirming the British public's appetite for all things rural.

Countryfile Live will be a truly unique event in the picturesque grounds of Blenheim Palace, combining the tradition of the UK's best county fairs with stars from the show across four extraordinary days, perfect for all the family (and our four legged friends!)

The event is sponsored by investment management firm Quilter Cheviot and is being staged in association with the National Trust.

Matt Baker, “We're opening up Countryfile to the general public and allowing a hands-on experience for all those who watch and love the programme. We hope people will come along and have fun with all the family. It's a full-on live experience with a bit of a festival vibe”

John Craven, “I've been involved in the show for a quarter of a century, and we've never done anything like this before! You can meet the presenters, see hundreds of stalls, and have a go at lots of things. It'll be a country show like no other”

Adam Henson, “Countryfile Live is for everyone. So if you're used to going to country and agricultural shows, you'll get all the things you'd expect from those, plus a few extras. And if you're not from the country and you've never held a chick or a lamb, now's your chance!”

Anita Rani, “You'll see everything from agricultural machinery to environmental areas, to food, arts and outdoor pursuits. Anything that is to do with the country will be celebrated in the glorious shadow of beautiful Blenheim Palace”

Ellie Harrison, “We wanted to create something that compliments the programme so we will represent all sorts of sides of country life, but with a modern festival twist. We've cherry picked some great subjects that we think people will find entertaining and informative”

Tom Heap, “We want to create a physical incarnation of the show and something where people can feel, smell, touch and taste the range of things that the country has to offer. We hope everyone will enjoy Countryfile Live”

The heart of Countryfile Live will be a spectacular live show in the 4,000 capacity Countryfile Live Main Arena. Throughout the day, each show will be a celebration of the very best that rural Britain has to offer, focusing on Britain's love of farming.

There will be further fun for all the family with a huge variety of other activities including:

• In the Barn, meet the Countryfile presenters in a 300 capacity venue with a quiz and Q&A sessions
• Adam's Farm, Britain's most famous farm, as seen by millions on BBC's Countryfile. Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is bringing his farm to Blenheim Palace giving the public the chance to meet some rare breeds, farm livestock and much loved animals they have seen on screen
• The National Trust theatre, which will play host to an inspiring and thought-provoking programme of debates, talks and panels, all focused on countryside issues
• The Village Green, complete with bandstand and traditional maypole - the perfect setting for live, family entertainment such as, Tug-of-War, Morris dancing, Punch-and-Judy, village cricket, a vintage Funfair and the ever-popular village fete

In addition to this, Countryfile Live will also play host to over 500 exhibitors. Visitors will be treated to a huge choice of shops on an unprecedented scale, from independent food and craft producers to major luxury brands, hundreds of the nation's best craftsmen and women will be in attendance, providing thousands of options for the public to find the perfect take home item.

With on-site camping available, Countryfile lovers can even make a weekend out of what will be one of the biggest, and most exciting, outdoor events this year, an experience that the whole family - and their dog - can enjoy.

Full show information and tickets are available now from www.countryfilelive.com