ONE of Hampshire’s biggest summer shows returns today – a year after last year’s event was washed out by torrential rain.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show for three days of family entertainment.

The 2012 event was cancelled after one of the wettest summers on record turned the showground in Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, into a quagmire.

But this year the hilltop arenas are in peak condition, thanks to the recent hot weather.

A freefall parachute display team will be dropping in tomorrow and Sunday, while other attractions will include the Wessex Birds of Prey Rescue Team and a demonstration by clever canines from the Fair Oak Dog Display Team.

Tim Trowbridge will showcase the art of chainsaw carving and The Adams Axe Men will illustrate how trees were felled in bygone years.

Waltham Chase Trials Club and the Ringwood Pipe Band are among the other organisations taking part in the event, which has taken place almost every year since the 1970s.

But the show never strays far from its roots and this year’s line-up includes an appearance by 30 steam engines.

An Abba tribute band, supported by The Awesome Foursome, will be performing on stage tonight, as part of the show’s evening entertainment. Tomorrow’s line-up will include The Pan Handles, who will perform popular covers from the 1960s onwards.

Heavy horses will parade tomorrow and Sunday, while Winnie the Witch and Coles Funfair will provide plenty of entertainment for children.