If you love things that are a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, then we reckon Wellington Country Fair and Horse Trials (Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug) is going to be right up your street. Held on the Duke of Wellington’s ooh la lush Wellington Estate on the Berkshire-Hampshire border, it’s a country fair with family fun front and centre. No experience of horses, Hunter wellies or Barbor jackets necessary, it’s just an awesome day out, with live music, brilliant food and drinks stalls, shopping and our four-legged friends competing for best in show. Plus kids go FREE, which is could come in handy after haemorrhaging cash all summer keeping your brood on the right side of borstal. Can’t wait? Me neither, here’s a little taster of what to expect over the weekend….

The bit’s between your teeth

You don’t have to be interested in horses or even know one end from the other to appreciate the thrill of eventing. It’s basically a triathlon for our equine pals – cross country, show jumping and dressage. The Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Tindall has competed here, which gets royal stalkers excited, as well as other Olympians. The first to spot Team GB wins a pony (joke, obvs). Half the fun is trying to work out who’s who, especially after a few Pimms, but more about that later. If you’re horse mad, or have a mildly curious child who wants to get in the saddle, there are pony rides, too. Just don’t blame us if a Shetland ends up on their Christmas list.

Are you barking mad?

If you’re more a lover of a wagging tail than a swooshing mane and tail, then you’ll go nuts for the pooches out to win prizes. You don’t have to own a dog that has a rider longer than Beyoncé’s, but if you fancy their chances, there’s a bow-wow beauty pageant, ‘Have-A-Go agility’ (wear a sports bra, you don’t know who’ll be watching), a gun dog display and more. If your dog prefers to sit in judgement, bring them along – there will be plenty to see and sniff.

Let the kids run wild

After six weeks, and for some 10! (insert screaming emoji here), you’ll be more than ready to wave bye bye to your brood and boot them back to school. But as this is the last bank holiday of the year and summer’s last hurrah, you can end the holidays on a high (sugar maybe involved). Wellington Country Fair is setting up a specific kids fun zone with a bouncy castle, pony rides, face painting, glitter tattoos, tractor rides and more. To be honest, anything with fur or feathers is like catnip to my kids, throw in activities that only a boil wash and a ton of Persil can handle, and you’ve the recipe for a happy kids and happy parents.

Summer scoffing and quaffing

It’s a very British affair and it doesn’t get more red, white and blue, than Pimms – especially Pimms served from a red double decker bus. To soak up all that fruity booze, there’s plenty of sexy street food to sink your teeth into. Wellington Farm Shop – set up with sustainability and low food miles in mind – is fired up to serve bangers and burgers, plus there’s gourmet grilled cheese, fish and chips from the brilliantly named Cods & Rockers, Silent Pool gin, Lovely Bubbly, puddings and prosecco, ice cream and so much more. All the classics pimped up and showing some foodie flair. Wear a billowy frock and scoff for Britain. It’s your patriotic duty.

Hey music lover

Bag a bargain

Under 11 go FREE, advance tickets for 12+, £7.50 each; adults £10; family tickets (2 adults, 3 12+ yrs) from £30. Quote MUDDYB2019 at checkout and you’ll get 2 for 1 on the price of adult tickets.

Wellington Country Fair and Horse Trials, Highfield Farm, Heckfield, RG27 0LE, Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug. Kids go FREE.