Video: Big weekend out at Countryside Live

The two-day indoor farming showcase gets underway with record competitive entries as well as a raft of trade and food stands and a full programme of entertainment.

First held following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001, it welcomed a record number of visitors through the gate last year (10,700) and is hoping for this year to be another record breaker.

Bill Cowling, Show Director said: “Countryside Live began a decade ago with only 400 entries.

“Each year it has grown and becoming an important fixture on the rural calendar. Our aim is to stage an enjoyable event which appeals to all the family, coupled with the more business element, ie the livestock classes for cattle and sheep.

“It is also important as a meeting place for the rural community, all of which combines to make a super event.”

For the first time a number of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society awards will be made at the event, namely medals to the best agricultural students in the North of England, the long service awards to those who have worked in the industry for more than 40 years, and the winner will be announced of the prestigious Tye Trophy Award, which recognises excellent farming practice.

And also new is the Northern Show Cross Final in the equine section which is sponsored by Bishop Burton College, plus mountain biking, ferret racing and the One Man and His Pig demonstrations.