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"It's a programme which a lot of people know and watch and we're delighted to have them here. It should bring a lot of people into the Hall and get them to know about us here."

So said Edward Knowles, who's the estate manager at Somerleyton Hall and in charge of the day-to-day running of the 5,000 acre country pile. It's owned by The Honourable Hugh Crossley who lives in the Hall. His father, Lord Somerleyton, lives in the farmhouse on the estate.

Somerleyton Hall

The recording will take place on Thursday 10 September 2009. Doors open to the public at 0930.

The 32nd season of the Antiques Roadshow has chosen the Suffolk venue because a member of the production team was familiar with it. It's the first time the programme has been in the county since Michael Aspel came to Kentwell Hall in Long Melford in 2007.

This will be presenter Fiona Bruce's second year with the programme and she said: "Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is, for me, one of those rare and very lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch.

"Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating. And everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the 'what's it worth?' moment.

"The Antiques Roadshow isn't just about antiques - it's history, beauty and drama all wrapped up in one."

"They contacted us about it - I believe one of the production staff got married here," said Edward Knowles.

"We do a lot of weddings, conferences and have our regular opening hours for the gardens including the Yew Hedge Maze."

Indeed, one of the show's directors Simon Brant got spliced at Somerleyton a couple of years ago and it reminded him that they hadn't been to the Lowestoft area since 1999. They were sold on the idea because of the exteriors of the Hall, the family history and the fact that the area's the home of the hovercraft.

Somerleyton has hosted concerts by Tony Hadley and Jools Holland in recent years. Although the Eastern Haze Festival didn't take off despite two events in 2006 and 2007, Bang Fest is taking place 29-30 August 2009 promising two days of 'neo-rave'.

"It's a viable estate with a variety of businesses," said Mr Knowles. "These include the farm, which is mainly arable but also has cattle and sheep, residential property for rent, holiday accommodation at Fritton Lake and the Duke's Head pub in Somerleyton village.

"But we're always looking for new things to bring in."

Antiques Roadshow advice

The programme's team of experts will be on hand to offer free valuations and information. Turnout is usually 1500-2000 visitors and there are a number of guidelines the show suggest we follow:

• Come prepared for hot and cold weather and wear comfy shoes
• You don't need a ticket, but there will be queuing
• You don't need to bring a whole item - eg a cup from a tea set or a drawer and photo from a piece of larger furniture will do
• If you're selected to be filmed with a specialist, then refreshments will be available while you wait
• Doors close to people with antiques at 1630, but people can still come in to watch the filming until 1900
• It's usually quieter after 1400, so you may want to come later
• If you have large or heavy items email the details and a photo to antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk or write to Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR

Kentwell Hall, 2007

The highest valued item ever brought to the Antiques Roadshow was a maquette of the Angel Of The North sculpture which was priced at £1m at Gateshead in 2008.

The last series of the Antiques Roadshow was watched by an average of 7.5 million viewers.