THE first ever Countryfile Live will be held at Blenheim Palace later this year featuring the best rural Britain has to offer.

The outdoor event, sparked by the huge popularity of BBC One's rural magazine series, will take place at the Woodstock attraction from August 4 to 7 and will combine stars from the hit show with the tradition of county fairs.

Presenter Matt Baker said it will have "a bit of a festival vibe".

He said: "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."

More than 500 exhibitors have signed up for the four-day festivity and presenters Matt Baker, John Craven, Adam Henson, Anita Rani, Ellie Harrison and Tom Heap will all be there.

Deputy mayor of Woodstock Colin Carritt said: "I think the town is always pleased when an event comes to Woodstock that will bring visitors to the town.

"We hope these visitors will come into the town and spend some money and have lunch at some of our restaurants.

"We are very positive about it. We are in talks with Blenheim Palace though about traffic management to make sure there are no hold-ups."

Adam Henson will take his Cotswold-based farm to Blenheim Palace and give the public a chance to meet some rare breeds and farm livestock.

The Gloucestershire farmer said: "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."

The event is being staged in association with the National Trust and will include a programme of debates, talks and panels all focused on countryside issues.

Veteran broadcaster John Craven, 75, said: "I've been involved in the show for a quarter of a century, and we've never done anything like this before."

He added: "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."

Sunday stalwart Countryfile has become one of the most-watched programmes on television.

Earlier this year it drew its highest overnight rating, with an average of 8.7 million viewers affirming the public's appetite for all things rural.

Visit countryfilelive.com for tickets and information.