POPULAR TV presenter Adam Henson and youngsters from an Oxfordshire primary school came together to launch Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace with some very special new-born helpers.

Following on from last year’s success, Countryfile Live will include live arena shows, hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, food, drink and shopping from over 500 independent retailers and lifestyle brands.

Mr Henson, who will man Adam’s Farm over the course of the event, was joined by children from Woodstock Primary School and some of the palace’s lambs to launch the event on the grounds of the World Heritage Site.

The presenter said: “I’m really excited about it. Last year I was nervous because it was the first one and I didn’t know how it would be received.

“But the organisers did an amazing job. There was so much for people to see and do – the best bits of the British countryside coming together.

“I loved it. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to being a celebrity. And I’m thrilled to be coming back this year. I have every confidence it will be better.”

Last year’s event saw 125,000 people flock to the 100 acre site in Woodstock. The 2017 event, running from August 3 to 6, hopes to secure Countryfile Live’s reputation by fusing the most successful elements of last year with some new additions.

One of those additions is the Countryfile Theatre, where visitors will be joined by the Countryfile presenters for a family show, giving them unprecedented access to behind the Countryfile scenes.

Speaking about the setting of the event, Mr Henson 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."

Mr Henson and the Countryfile team are inviting fans to follow six lambs from Blenheim Palace via social media by following @Countryfilelive.

The lambs are amongst the first born at the palace this year and will be on show at the Passion for British Livestock area at this year’s event.

Fans will be able to keep up with the ‘Countryfile Live Lambs’ on the web, with regular access to video and photo updates, alongside online question and answer sessions with the estate's own shepherd on the Countryfile Live Facebook page at facebook.com/bbccountryfilelive.

The event is sponsored by investment management firm Quilter Cheviot and is being staged in association with the National Trust.

Previously organisers pledged to do all they could to ease the traffic issues that struck Oxfordshire's roads throughout last year's event.

Full show information and tickets are available now at countryfilelive.com