Adam Henson is delighted to be stepping into the shoes of a celebrity once again as BBC Countryfile Live – an extravaganza of all things rural – gets under way.

The Cotswold farmer and presenter has said he can’t wait to see thousands of people pouring into the grounds of Blenheim Palace to enjoy the four days of festivities.

Returning for its second year, the event at the Woodstock UNESCO World Heritage Site will offer live arena shows, hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, food, drink and shopping from more than 500 independent retailers and lifestyle brands.

Visitors will also be given the opportunity to meet Adam and the rest of Countryfile’s team of presenters, including including Matt Baker, Anita Rani and Ellie Harrison.

Adam, who said last year’s event was the closest he ever came “to feeling like a celebrity”, said: “I’m so excited to be back for a second helping of Countryfile Live, especially after the success of last year’s event.

“I can’t wait to see the thousands of people flock through the gates to celebrate everything that there is to cherish about the Great British countryside.”

Last year’s event, the very first Countryfile Live, saw 125,000 people descend on the 100 acre site in Woodstock. This year’s instalment, starting today and running until Sunday, hopes to make the event a staple of Oxfordshire’s annual calendar by using the most popular elements of last year and adding a few twists and turns along the way.

One of those additions is the Countryfile Theatre, where guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite Countryfile presenters, giving them unprecedented access behind the scenes of the show.

Elsewhere on the grounds there will be food, drink and fun for the whole family, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the palace.

Discussing the setting, Adam, who brings his children’s animal petting attraction Adam’s Farm to the event, continued: “I love it. I’m a Gloucestershire boy so I’m from the county next door. The beautiful house, the rolling hills, the ancient woodland – it’s brilliant.

“I think it’s fantastic that the palace is still being used as a working estate. It really is a huge asset to Oxfordshire.”

Another new addition to this year’s event is a group of special lambs that Adam and the Countryfile team are urging people to keep an eye on.

The six lambs are among the first born at Blenheim this year and will be on show at the Passion for British Livestock area.

* Countryfile Live is at Blenheim Palace from today to Sunday. Go to countryfilelive.com

* People can get updates on the lambs on Twitter by following @Countryfilelive and on the Countryfile Live Facebook page at facebook.com/bbccountryfilelive.