Organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society as a sister event to its flagship Great Yorkshire Show, Countryside Live is going back to its roots this year with a new site layout and enhanced attractions.

Last year's event suffered from an absence of livestock entries after restrictions imposed on animal movement in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey.

However the animal entries are back with a vengance this year, with organisers expecting it to be oversubcribed.

A new equine class has been added to the show, which will take place on the weekend of October 25 and 26 at the society's Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

The indoor event, now in its 6th year, will also feature a guest appeance from international showjumper and Olympic medalist Graham Fletcher – who will deliver a masterclass on riding in a specially-created equine ring insiude the exhibition centre.

Mr Fletcher will give a 40-minute training demonstration on showjumping, adding a new dimension to the show.

The show will also act as a qualifier for the the CHAPS (UK) Winter Restricted Qualifiers and Championships in 2008/9, with the Coloured Pony section anticipated to be particularly populer with Yorkshire owners.

Honorary show director Bill Cowling said: "In its short history it has grown to be one of the major autumn shows. It will be very much back to the traditional show in the respect that the cattle and sheep will be back,

"This year, all being well, we will be back on full stream again and I anticipate there to be a waiting list and all the stalls and pens to be full with quality livestock."

Hec added: "The difference between Countryside Live and the Great Yorkshire Show is it is an autumn show.

"We have had to change the layout of the showground, making it bigger.There will also be a lot of stands that will have an emphasis on local food and local producers showing their wares.

"We are looking forward to a superb Countryside Live and with the addition of an equine classes, the appeal for visitors will be even stronger. As a society our committment to promoting country life is well known, and equestianism is an important part of that."

The event will also serve as a celebration of Yorkshire cuisine, with live cooking demonstrations. The National Festival of Meat will again feature competitions for ribs of beef and saddle of lamb and a new sausage tasting competition will also be added to the lineup.

The dog agility demonstrations, which proved so popular last year, are also set to return.

Sheep and cattle entries must be received by September 19. Tickets when bought in advance cost £6 for adults and £5 concessions, with children's tickets just £1. They can be be bought online at www.countrysidelive.co.uk or over the phone on 01423 541222.