THE timing is co-incidental, but the Three Counties Show is celebrating 50 years on its showground at Malvern next month by firing a cannon across the main arena.

But instead of a lead ball, a human will fly through the air.

Which means if David Smith from Pennsylvania, USA, miscalculates the direction, he could end up with only his feet sticking out of the side of the Malvern Hills. Which would be different.

"We're very excited about signing him," said Three Counties Agricultural Society chief executive Nick Vincent. "He's only appearing at four venues in Europe this summer and Malvern is one."

The amazing Mr Smith, who comes from a family of human cannonballs - his father and three sisters are all at it too - should provide the icing on the cake for the Golden Jubilee Three Counties on its permanent site at Blackmore, near Barnards Green.

"It's lining up to be a tremendous show," Mr Vincent added. "There's so much going on with more fun than ever before, making it a great day out for all the family."

As ever, farming and the countryside are at the heart of the three-day show, which runs from Friday to Sunday, June 15-17.

Other attractions include Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Kylie Minogue tribute acts, the David Beckham Football Academy and an English rugby skills challenge featuring internationals like Gloucester's Phil Vickery. The showground is arranged in a series of "villages" - a sports village, a musical village, a Young Farmers village, a military village, a regional food and drink village, a gardening village and a country living village with lots of shops and outlets.

Mr Vincent added that a huge country sports village would include arena displays, vintage machinery and everything for the hunting, shooting and fishing enthusiasts.

Also new this year will be a cheese and dairy products show with more than 70 entries.

"At the heart of the show, there are healthy increases in the livestock, sheep and equestrian classes and a national Rare and Minority Breeds show on the Sunday," he said.

l Three Counties Show admission prices. In advance, booked before June 7,adult from £11.50; children (5-15 inclusive) from £5.50. On the day - adults from £13, children from £6.50. Children under five free.

SEE TODAY'S OPINION