Springtime Live: Families flock to sell-out event as Young Shepherd of the Year is crowned
More than 4,000 visitors enjoyed the event at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground on Saturday – the first to be held since 2019 due to Covid.
Show Director Charles Mills said: “This was our seventh Springtime Live and it’s been a real treat to be able to be back here doing what we do best, promoting farming and the countryside to the public. It was terrific to see the enjoyment families have had visiting us here today.”
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Hide AdFrom farm animals and reptiles to fairground rides and cookery workshops, there was an array of animals from Ian’s Mobile Farm which is based in Aberford near Leeds, including rabbits, goats and donkeys.
Alpaca walks were enjoyed by families, while Ferretworld’s Roadshow and Airedale Beagles drew visitors to the Animal Barn Arena.
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust hosted their national Young Shepherd of the Year finals at the event for the first time. Thomas Nash, 12, who had travelled all the way from Somerset, was among the winners, claiming the Junior Young Shepherd of the Year title after an impressive display of handling with his Coloured Ryeland.
Ripon Farm Services donated mini tractors which youngsters enjoyed riding around an indoor circuit. An outdoor bike track, climbing walls and woodcrafts crafts also proved popular.
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Hide AdSpringtime Live inspires the next generation about the countryside through play and activities, and raises funds for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society to help support farming families and to champion British agriculture.