THE organisers of next weekend's Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show will no doubt be crossing fingers, toes and just about everything else hoping this summer's beautiful weather holds on a bit longer.

The two-day extravaganza aimed at gardeners, animal lovers, cookery buffs and shopaholics takes place over Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28, at the Three Counties Showground and, given a fair crack of the meteorological whip, looks set to break last year's record attendance of 48,000.

It may be the youngest of the Three Counties Agricultural Society's four main events, having only started in 1995, but the annual Michaelmas pageant, celebrating British country life and produce, is fast becoming a must-go show.

As show manager Carol Ritchie explained: "The Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show is now one of the most popular events held at the showground and visitor research tells us we have the mix of attractions just right.

"For gardeners, of course, it's the last chance of the season to view the spectacular Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show, and the perfect opportunity to choose from hundreds of plant bargains for a spectacular display next year.

"But the event is deliberately diverse, and in celebration of traditional country life, boasts everything from native livestock and rural activities, to regional cuisine, locally-made crafts and family entertainment.

"We are very proud of its success to date, and pleased that it continues to be one of the highlights of the society's annual calendar."

Aside from the 5,000 sq m of flowers from across the globe, six permanent gardens on site, and exquisite floral art, gardeners will also have the chance to marvel at the truly enormous giant vegetables entered for the Midlands Vegetable Society Championships.

Amateur growers from across the country will be battling it out in the popular open gardening competitions in the Harvest Pavilion, which houses what is one of Britain's largest amateur gatherings.

There are classes for everything from carnations, fuchsias, gladiolus and roses to vegetables and fruit, and competition is fierce.

Food lovers should head for the food hall and cookery theatre to sample mouthwatering speciality foods and fine wines, with tips, tastings and delicious recipes using everything from exotic sausages to ostrich.

"The Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show is designed to appeal particularly to families, with plenty to see and do for all ages and interests," added Mrs Ritchie.

"It has a loyal audience, who return year after year to see its traditional attractions."

Back by popular demand for a third year, are the gentle European and North American wolves, from the Berkshire-based UK Wolf Conservation Trust, who'll be "meeting and greeting" showgoers from their special Wolf Enclosure.

This is a unique opportunity to observe these essentially wild, but surprisingly sociable animals in close proximity, and one of the favourite features for visitors.

Showgoers who prefer the event's amazing displays of dog agility are in for a real treat this year, too.

CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds - organisers of the CSJ Novice Agility Competition - have chosen the Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show as the venue for the final on Saturday, September 27, and the qualifying heats are apparently producing some very clever dogs.

Whisper it quietly, but the show takes place only 13 weeks before Christmas, and with around 500 quality trade stands, is the ideal place to do a spot of early Christmas shopping.

Other highlights include a musical ride, heavy horses, parade of animals, gundogs, ferrets, falcons, rabbits and poultry, together with vintage vehicles and displays from mountain bike stuntman, Jez Avery, shepherdess Elaine Hill, the Junior Firefighters and the Army Cadets.

There's also Toy City and all the thrills of a funfair.

All that's needed now is a couple of nice days.

n The show is open 9am-6pm on both days. On the day admission is general public adults £9 each, children (aged 5-15) £3.50 each, under fives admitted free. Family ticket, two adults and up to three children, £21.50.

n Parking is free.

n Assistance or participating dogs only.

n Flowers, fur, food and fun have all played their part in making the Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show a success in the past - and this year looks set to be no exception.