London's best free weekend returns - Lambeth Country Show 19-20 July 2008

Lambeth Country Show returns to Brockwell Park on the weekend of July 19-20, boasting its unique line-up that brings together the best of city and countryside.

The show, the largest of its kind in south-east England, combines the attractions of a traditional country show, such as prize winning vegetables, home made jams and falconry and sheep dog displays, with distinctly more urban flavours. Reggae, soul and ska music feature heavily on the music stages, and food stalls sell everything from spicy Thai cuisine to some of London’s best jerk chicken.

The show will serve up the usual mix of performance stages, fairground rides, food stalls, horticultural shows, competitions, medieval jousting, craft stalls, home made cider, fudges and chutneys, farm animals, steam engines and much more, all with a south London vibe. Organised by Lambeth Council, and now in its 34th year, the event is free and attracts thousands visitors over the course of the weekend and is one of the best family days out London has to offer.

Headline music acts this year include Jamaican reggae legend Alton Ellis, eclectic new singer-songwriter Natty, local Brixton boys 'The Thirst', one of Britain’s most exciting new bands, British soul supreme Omar, and roots-soul collective Thabani. Upcoming soul star Magda Sinit and reggae act Etchoo, featuring former Aswad guitarist Dee Griffiths, also feature prominently on the bill.

Local south London talent features heavily again this year with the South London Concert band, Lambeth Community Performing Arts, South London Jazz Orchestra, and Crystal Palace Brass Band just some of the performers on the Village Green Band Stand.

And the show also provides a showcase for some of south London brightest young talent, with youth music and dance acts from across south London entertaining the crowds throughout the weekend.

Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council, said: "Lambeth Country Show is one of London’s best free family days out that keeps the crowds coming back year on year.

"It reflects all that's best about living in this part of south London, and is the perfect showcase for Lambeth's vibrancy and creativity. Every year it gets bigger and better, and if you've never been before, you really are missing out!"

• When: Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July
• Times: 11am – 7pm
• Where: Brockwell Park, London, SE24 0NG
• Price: Free
• Nearest Tube: Brixton, Victoria Line
• Nearest Rail: Herne Hill