The build has begun for Somerset’s largest event of the year, as the marquees and other temporary structures start to go up for this year’s Royal Bath & West Show.

The four-day event attracts around 135,000 visitors and takes place from May 30 to June 2 at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet.

In total, 1.5 hectares (3.8 acres) of the showground will be covered by marquees, pavilions and temporary stables, which take almost three weeks to build. 3.5 miles of barriers and one mile of temporary fencing will go up from this week, as well as more than 1,200 signs.

This year there will be 3,000 different animals at the show, including over 500 horses, almost 400 cattle and about 900 sheep. 300 temporary stables are currently being built to help house them all.

Rupert Cox, chief executive of the Royal Bath & West of England Society, said, “The adrenalin kicks in with the build up to the Royal Bath & West Show. From being a quiet showground with minimal activity to a small town all happens in just four weeks – and a crazy four weeks it is. Mowers careering around clipping grass, marquees going up and paintbrushes working in over-drive all contribute to presenting the showground in such a pristine way.

Now in its 155th year, the Royal Bath & West Show is England’s only four-day royal show.